It seemed to me that the film did not want to show more of the backstage world and did not want to force any kind of narrative if such narrative does not come by on its own. The images and captured moments are serious, funny and heartwarming, and they are shown in just the right rhythm. On some level, this movie is also a contemporary reflection on classical musicals: we have glimpses of layers that are not seen in everyday life and, as this is a documentary film, real-life artists are shown. Of course, this is fun mostly for the French audience, but I did not mind it either. I really liked how the classic, long-gone, abstract and somewhat aristocratic opera world was placed into the present and there was an ongoing interaction with real-life events (Charlie Hebdo, Bataclan, strikes, the president's visit etc.). I would have gladly watched more of it if the film had been longer. Such laid-back professionalism and being committed to such high standards are always huge inspirations for me!
2 Reviews
opera doc
cdcrb23 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
in what purports to be a "real" look at the workings of the Paris opera seems more like reality TV. although most of the camera shots seem real, the dramatic scenes seem like set ups. I could be wrong. I will say that there is certainly a lot more that goes into putting on an opera than I ever thought about. it would really have been nice if they let us have one complete song as a treat, instead of snippets sung by many singers.
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