by Nigel Hicks
Worth: $16.00
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Léo Muscato, Riccardo Chailly, Silvia Aymonino, Federica Parolini, Anna Netrebko, Brian Jadge, Ludovic Tezier, Roberto Bolle, Alberto Malazzi
Intro:
... inspirational viewing.
Leo Muscato loves his work. Muscato is the director of Verdi’s opera La Forza del Destino (The Force of Destiny), and Anissa Bonnefont’s La Scala: The Force of Destiny is a behind-the-scenes look at the bustling buildup to the stage production’s grand scale opera opening night.
The 2024 Milan opera season opens on December 7, considered a major event of the year. This documentary sequences the lead-in, starting with 75 days out, up until the Prima performance. The excitement is evident from all involved – you can see it in their eyes, their focus, and enthusiasm. They are all there because they want to be, and it is inspirational viewing.
Leo Muscato has creative control and from the opening scene you can see his passion for the production. When first introducing and announcing the project to his team, he can barely sit still. As we see how he goes about his work, he is calm and focused and knows exactly what he wants. His vision is already clear in his mind. He is firm but polite; professional yet endearing.
As the documentary cycles through the different departments, it becomes obvious that this is really a big deal. From the backing choir to the set designers, to the costumers, to the tenors and sopranos, everyone is focused and present. It could be likened to a hive or colony where everybody knows what they have to do, and how to go about it.
Although the documentary shows a relatively smooth buildup, it is not without its hitches. As if following a stereotypical script, the programme shows the Maestro (Riccardo Chailly) being egotistical. As things get closer to the show, the more stressed Chailly gets. Another ironic cliché is the lead performer becoming pedantic about the shoes he must wear. Further complications arise when Muscato receives word that a religious group are unhappy with one of the scenes and may cause problems. Throughout all these situations, you can see Muscato is patient, giving each problem his time.
During the phase of “12 Giorni Alla prima” (12 Days Before the Prima), there is a beautiful montage of just cast and crew going about their business. It is cinematic and graceful to watch. There are still cameras, drone shots (on the outside movements of production pieces), and the slowly sweeping camera which seems to catch the concentration in the cast’s eyes. The accompanying music is moving, as it is throughout the whole production.
This is an excellent documentary. It doesn’t interview people directly but shows impassioned professionals at work that they thrive in. It really is a team performance, and you can see the stress rise in everyone, as time to the Prima gets closer.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to assemble a top tier opera production, this is for you. If you enjoy watching people who love what they do, this is also for you.
