Les Contes d'Hoffmann (1981)
Seeking to exorcise the failure of his current love affair, the poet Hoffmann tells the tales of his three past loves - the doll-like Olympia, the high-class courtesan Giulietta, and the ambitious but delicate Antonia - and recalls how each was thwarted by the evil influence of his rival. In this production by the distinguished film director, John Schlesinger, with spectacular designs by Maria Bjornson and William Dudley, Offenbach's nightmare world is brought to life. The all-star cast is headed by Placido Domingo as Hoffmann: his three loves are Ileana Cotrubas, Anges Baltsa and Luciana Serra and the manifestations of his rival are sung by Geraint Evans, Robert Lloyd, Siegmund Nimsgern and Nicola Ghiuselev. The score, which includes such favourites as the "Barcarolle" and the "Doll's Song", is conducted by Georges Pretre.
Cast
- Plácido Domingo - Hoffmann
- Agnes Baltsa - Giulietta
- Robert Lloyd - Lindorf
- Ileana Cotrubas - Antonia
- Luciana Serra - Olympia
- Geraint Evans - Coppélius
- Nicolai Ghiuselev - Miracle
- Gwynne Howell - Crespel
- Claire Powell - Nicklaus/Muse
- Siegmund Nimsgern - Dapertutto
Screenplay
- E. T. A. Hoffmann (Original Story)
- Jules Barbier
Themes
Opera Grandeur and Dramatic Voices, Opera Stage and Dramatic Arias, Classical Music and Art
Keywords
opera, drinking, doll, driven insane
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Les Contes d'Hoffmann about?
- Seeking to exorcise the failure of his current love affair, the poet Hoffmann tells the tales of his three past loves - the doll-like Olympia, the high-class courtesan Giulietta, and the ambitious but delicate Antonia - and recalls how each was thwarted by the evil influence of his rival. In this production by the distinguished film director, John Schlesinger, with spectacular designs by Maria Bjornson and William Dudley, Offenbach's nightmare world is brought to life. The all-star cast is headed by Placido Domingo as Hoffmann: his three loves are Ileana Cotrubas, Anges Baltsa and Luciana Serra and the manifestations of his rival are sung by Geraint Evans, Robert Lloyd, Siegmund Nimsgern and Nicola Ghiuselev. The score, which includes such favourites as the "Barcarolle" and the "Doll's Song", is conducted by Georges Pretre.
- Who directed Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
- Les Contes d'Hoffmann was directed by Brian Large, John Schlesinger.
- Who stars in Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
- Les Contes d'Hoffmann stars Plácido Domingo, Agnes Baltsa, Robert Lloyd, Ileana Cotrubas, Luciana Serra, Geraint Evans.
- How long is Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
- Les Contes d'Hoffmann has a runtime of 2h 30m (150 minutes).
- What genre is Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
- Les Contes d'Hoffmann is a Drama, Music, TV Movie film.
- Where was Les Contes d'Hoffmann produced?
- Les Contes d'Hoffmann was produced in United Kingdom.
- What are the themes of Les Contes d'Hoffmann?
- The themes of Les Contes d'Hoffmann include: Opera Grandeur and Dramatic Voices, Opera Stage and Dramatic Arias, Classical Music and Art.