FULL CARMEN Ballett-Film Spain 1983 Carlos Saura
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Information on the Performance
- Work Title: Carmen
- Composer: Bizet Georges, Paco de Lucía
- Libretto: Carlso Saura
- Venue & Opera Company: Studio, Spain
- Recorded: 1983
- Type: Movie
- Singers:
- Conductor:
- Orchestra:
- Choreographer: Carlos Saura and María Pagés,
- Stage Director: Carlos Saura, Antonio Gades, based on Prosper Mérimée (novel)
- Stage Designer: Teo Escamilla
- Costume Designer: Teresa Nieto
Information about the Recording
- Published by: TVE
- Date Published: 1983
- Format: DVD
- Quality Video: 4 Audio:4
- Subtitles: nosubs
- Video Recording from: AMAZON
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE
Carmen is a 1983 Spanish film adaptation of Prosper Mérimée’s novel Carmen, incorporating music from Georges Bizet’s opera of the same name. Directed and choreographed in the flamenco style by Carlos Saura and María Pagés, it constitutes the second installment of Saura’s flamenco trilogy in the 1980s, preceded by Bodas de sangre and followed by El amor brujo. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 56th Academy Awards.
The film follows modern dancers as they re-enact Bizet’s tragic love affair in their personal lives, culminating in its fatal conclusion.
Plot
The choreographer Antonio is preparing a performance of George Bizet’s opera Carmen, intending to infuse it with Spanish music and flamenco dances. He collaborates with Paco, a guitarist who adapts the original music for his instrument. Despite searching his flamenco school for the perfect Carmen, Antonio struggles to find the right fit. His best dancer, Cristina, is deemed too old for the role. However, Carmen herself catches his eye during a rehearsal, captivating him with her fiery dance and allure.
After a flamenco show, Antonio gifts Carmen a book by Prosper Mérimée, urging her to read it, convinced she’s destined for the role. He then enlists Cristina to train Carmen intensively. During rehearsals, Antonio guides the actors to imagine the setting and atmosphere, setting the stage for Carmen and Cristina’s intense rivalry, performed through dance.
As Antonio falls for Carmen, they share a passionate encounter. Yet, Carmen abruptly leaves in the night, revealing she’s married. Despite this, Antonio gives her money when she claims her husband wants to start afresh. However, Carmen’s husband reveals his intentions to continue his criminal activities, sparking a physical altercation between him and Antonio.
In a pivotal scene, Carmen’s betrayal becomes evident when Antonio discovers her with another man. Despite her reassurances, Antonio can’t bear to share her. The tension escalates until Antonio seemingly kills his rival, driven by jealousy.
The performance blurs the lines between reality and fiction as Antonio and Carmen’s relationship unravels onstage. Ultimately, Antonio’s desperation leads to tragedy, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is part of the performance.
Quoted from Wikipedia