Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Bambi B on September 23, 2003 at 08:47:43

In Reply to: How do you guys feel about Visconti? posted by Victor Khomenko on September 21, 2003 at 07:13:37:

VK,

I had something of a film epiphany when I saw "Death in Venice" as a teenager. The external atmosphere was so serene yet so much palpable inner angst came across- and in the Venetian atmosphere of both physical decay and fin de siecle formality and decadence.

This is a movie that addresses every realm of life, art, work, love, and in particular the self-image/self-doubt of artists.

Also, I usually object to great music that becomes famous through movie use- I will someday strangle the Los Angeles radio announcer that refers to Mozart's Pinao Conc. 21 as the "Elvira Madigan"- but as a confirmed early music fan until that time- the use of the Mahler 5th Adagietto changed my musical outlook too.

The change of the principal character Auschenbach from a writer to a composer was brilliant as the depiction of passion in a conductor is so visually and aurally rich - as compared to reading aloud.

Very glad you mentioned Visconti, who I agree is not talked about often enough.

Cheers,

Bam