The Tales of Hoffmmann- A 1951 Film directed and written by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger

 

After watching The Red Shoes by the Archers, William Powell and Emeric Pressburger I was very eager to experience their 1951 work, Tales of Hoffmann 

You can watch Tales of Hoffmann on the link below

https://www.plex.tv/

"The Tales of Hoffmann is a 1951 British Technicolor comic opera film written, produced and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger working under the umbrella of their production company The Archers. It is an adaptation of Jacques Offenbach's 1881 opera The Tales of Hoffmann, itself based on three short stories by E. T. A. Hoffmann.

The film stars Robert Rounseville as Hoffmann, Moira Shearer as Olympia, Ludmilla Tchérina as Antonia, and Robert Helpmann as Lindorf/Coppélius/Dapertutto. It also features Pamela Brown, Ann Ayars, and Léonide Massine. Only Rounseville and Ayars sang their own roles.

The film is a visual feast, with stunning sets and costumes designed by Hein Heckroth. The opera's music is beautifully performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham.

The film tells the story of Hoffmann, a poet who falls in love with three women: Olympia, a mechanical doll; Antonia, a singer who is dying of consumption; and Giulietta, a courtesan. Hoffmann's love for these women is doomed, as they are all under the spell of the evil sorcerer Dapertutto.

The Tales of Hoffmann is a complex and multilayered film, with elements of fantasy, romance, and tragedy. It is a visually stunning and musically beautiful film that is a must-see for fans of opera and classic cinema.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and two Academy Awards for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color and Best Costume Design, Color. It is considered one of the greatest films ever made, and is ranked #12 on the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list.

Here are some of the things that make The Tales of Hoffmann a great film:

• The stunning visuals: The film is a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous sets and costumes designed by Hein Heckroth.

• The beautiful music: The opera's music is beautifully performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham.

• The complex and multilayered story: The film is a complex and multilayered story, with elements of fantasy, romance, and tragedy.

• The performances: The performances by the cast are all top-notch, especially Robert Rounseville as Hoffmann and Moira Shearer." From Bard

I have watched Tales of Hoffmann several times.  In times when my spirits are low the sheer beauty of the film helps me.

Soon I will post on The Black Narrcisus, followed by as many other William and Powell films as I can find online.