Becoming Traviata (La Traviata et nous) 2012
Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Produced by Philippe Martin
Directed by Philippe Béziat
DVD , color, 112 min.; in French with English subtitles
College - General Adult
Music, Opera
Date Entered: 12/06/2013
Reviewed by Bonnie Jo Dopp, Librarian Emerita, University of MarylandLovers of Verdi’s La Traviata and fans of acclaimed French soprano Natalie Dessay will want to see this behind-the-scenes view of how one version of the opera ‘became.’ For two months, Philippe Béziat’s crew followed French opera director Jean-François Sivadier’s vision (minimal stage design, contemporary costumes, soulful musical interpretation, and, especially, convincing acting), as Sivadier created a new staging of this popular work, which premiered at the 2011 Festival d’Aix-en-Provence. As rehearsals progress, refinements are made, but not without the director sacrificing the growth of his fingernails and, in the end, Dessay, as Violetta, putting her knees through a punishing repetition of her final fall. This is a European-paced film: there are no eye-blink length scenes here and at nearly two hours, a fascination with seeing how things work backstage is necessary for a complete sit-through. Compellingly watchable major players, creative film editing, and sublime music beautifully rendered (including by the London Symphony Orchestra) make it easier. Especially recommended to graduate students in opera studios.
Awards:
- Winner, Best Documentary Award, ColCoa Film Festival