Interlude in Prague

"Interlude in Prague" is an odd movie in that it is two-faced, being part horror movie and part musical. I enjoyed the lighter musical parts but the darker horror parts of the patronly stalker preying on women I did not enjoy. While I understand that stories need conflict, it just seemed too much here, having the film focus on adultery, rape, and murder. I thought this film would be a nice light vehicle to showcase some of Mozart's music and opera but it was too dark. And the cinematography was literally dark as well. I don't know why most modern films use dark camera hues or filters; I hate it. I want to see natural colors as they are. But on the positive side there was some good settings, costumes, acting, singing and music in this film. All in all I rate it a 6/10, worth watching once, not sure if I would watch it again though.

I thought this was a creative take on Mozart's Don Giovanni. Granted that I don't know much about the opera, I can appreciate the complexity and artistry of the music and the beauty in the talent and range of the vocalists. It is my understanding that this is a fictional story written based on actual events. I can only assume that this implies that Mozart composed Don Giovanni in Prague but the story surrounding the composition in the film is fictional. Regardless, I enjoyed watching this.

The great things in this film are the music, the vocalists, the costuming, the settings and emotion. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more focus on how devious the barron was. I felt like the fear of his cruelty was seen clearly in most of the characters but his actions causing fear just weren't explained enough to justify so much fear.

I'm not sure that I will watch this again but I'm glad I decided to check it out.

My title does not say that it is an accurate reconstruction, and it probably does not set out to be, as just how much is known of the events of October 1787 might be up for debate. That the overture was a last minute composition is apparently true, as is the fact that the Duscheks were prominent in Prague's operatic world, but I expect that much of the rest was a rich blend of fantasy and artistic licence. However, the location choice of the Estates Theatre, the genuine venue of the opera's premiere, was a terrific touch.

Seeing Cilla Black's hubby pop up as Mozart was a surprise, but he did a far better and more credible job than.the clown-like Tom Hulce in 'Amadeus' some 33 years earlier. And having a real life Don Giovanni imposing his attentions on the women of the city was an interesting twist as a suggestion of Mozart's inspiration for the story, especially with a servant named Laporel, so similar to the opera's Leporello.

But the truth is that Mozart only arrived in the city 11 days prior to the planned premiere, so by that point he must have already composed just about everything, if not the overture. That premiere was postponed by two weeks, but apparently only for organisational reasons.

I have seen Don Giovanni countless times over the last 60 years or so, and that made it intriguing viewing for me. However the shooting was way too dark - yes, I know they only had candles and oil lamps in 1787, but as an audience we need to be able to see the faces and have a clear grasp of what is going on. And the dialogue was at times so mumbled that I would have liked subtitles. So in conclusion, 7/10 is a fair score.

Really enjoyed this based on relatively unknown period in Mozart's life when he had an affair and was writing Don Giovanni. Beautifully directed, lovely music as you'd expect, and lots of insight into Mozart though the gripping story..

I love Mozart, and am very familiar with Le Nozze di Figaro and particularly Don Giovanni. Whilst the sets and costumes were nice, the acting was much below an agreeable standard. The directing left a lot to be desired. The interpretation of the music was lacklustre. They didn't even use the climactic scene of Don Giovanni where he must confront the Commendatore.

In summary, this was the manifestation "Missed Opportunity"

Only writing this in case someone else plans to interpret Mozart again.