Callas Forever (2002)

Director:

Franco Zeffirelli

Writers:

Franco Zeffirelli (original idea)
Martin Sherman (scenario) ...

Release Date:

18 September 2002 (Belgium)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A fictionalized account of the last days of opera singer Maria Callas (Ardant). |

Plot Keywords:

Opera Singer | Maria Callas | Opera | Diva | Tempermental Star

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Fanny Ardant	...	Maria Callas
Jeremy Irons	...	Larry Kelly
Joan Plowright	...	Sarah Keller
Jay Rodan	...	Michael
Gabriel Garko	...	Marco / Don Jose
Manuel de Blas	...	Esteban Gomez
Justino Díaz	...	Scarpia
Jean Dalric	...	Gerard
Stephen Billington	...	Brendan
Anna Lelio	...	Bruna
Alessandro Bertolucci	...	Marcello
Olivier Galfione	...	Thierry
Roberto Sanchez	...	Escamillo
Achille Brugnini	...	Ferruccio
Eugene Kohn	...	Eugene

Also Known As:

Callas Forever (Spain)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and strong language.

Runtime:

France:108 min | Israel:111 min | Spain:112 min | USA:111 min

Country:

Italy | France | Spain | UK | Romania

Language:

English | French | Italian

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

South Korea:12 | Finland:K-3 | France:U | Spain:T | UK:15 | Australia:M | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Bucharest, Romania

Company:

Galfin

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The film is set in 1977, however extras are seen wearing modern (2001/2) clothes and modern cars are seen in the background.

Soundtrack:

Casta diva

Very beautiful

This movie is very beautiful. It's plot is essentially a fantasy by Zeffirelli, revolving around the idea of Callas starring in a film production of Bizet's Carmen, at a time when her life was drawing to it's close and her magnificent voice had been reduced to a painful echo of it's former glory. This setup is completely imaginary - Zeffirelli, of course, being intimate with Callas, having worked with her on a number of productions - and although Callas is at the focal point of the story, one can safely assume that this movie is as much about Zeffirelli himself as it is about the great diva.

The film's main characters - the aging artist, the agent, the film critic - are mainly used to explore themes familiar to those living the life of artistic creation; the fading of creative powers, the meaning of integrity in art, the influence of money and publicity, love and the beauty of youth. This is Zeffireli speaking here, making use of one of the most expressive voices ever heard, to express feelings of his own.

It is is better not to approach this movie guided by expectations of absorbing revealing biographical elements. Though Ardant convincingly depicts the arrogance and overbearing personality which were often present in Callas' behaviour - with a few very convincing tantrums thrown in - there is a sentimentality projected that is more of a wishful thinking than factual characterization; one can hardly imagine Callas enjoying herself in an impromptu picnic in a park, surrounding herself with nothing but carefree informality. But the movie is very strong on most aspects; the directing is fabulous, both in it's pace and in it's settings, and the acting - Jeremy Irons in particular - is truly exceptional. And then it's the music - wonderful singing from Callas' voice, coupled with scenes from a very spirited production of Carmen where Ardant gives a convincing performance in a very demanding part.

For some people the movie will prove somewhat unsatisfying, the more so if one focuses exclusively on Callas at the cost of ignoring other nuances and ideas, and the sheer pleasure of listening to the music and singing. But it is definitely recommended to watch, and for opera lovers it is a must see.