Mahler (1974)

Director:

Ken Russell

Writer:

Ken Russell

Release Date:

February 1975 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Music

Plot:

Both trifles and structure are tossed out the door by director Ken Russell in this film. Here, historical content matters not so much as metaphors...

Plot Keywords:

Marriage | Dying | Gustav Mahler | Suicide | Composer

Awards:

Won BAFTA Film Award. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Robert Powell	...	Gustav Mahler
Georgina Hale	...	Alma Mahler
Lee Montague	...	Bernhard Mahler
Miriam Karlin	...	Aunt Rosa
Rosalie Crutchley	...	Marie Mahler
Gary Rich	...	Young Gustav
Richard Morant	...	Max
Angela Down	...	Justine Mahler
Antonia Ellis	...	Cosima Wagner
Ronald Pickup	...	Nick
Peter Eyre	...	Otto Mahler
Dana Gillespie	...	Anna von Mildenburg
George Coulouris	...	Doctor Roth
David Collings	...	Hugo Wolf
Arnold Yarrow	...	Grandfather
David Trevena	...	Doctor Richter
Elaine Delmar	...	Princess
Benny Lee	...	Uncle Arnold
Andrew Faulds	...	Doctor on Train
Otto Diamant	...	Professor Sladky
Michael Southgate	...	Alois Mahler
Kenneth Colley	...	Krenek (as Ken Colley)
Sarah McClellan	...	Putzi
Claire McClellan	...	Glucki
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Oliver Reed	...	Train Conductor
Alex 'Alien' Russell	...	(uncredited)

Directed by
Ken Russell

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Ken Russell

Produced by
Roy Baird	....	producer
Sanford Lieberson	....	executive producer (as Sandy Lieberson)
David Puttnam	....	executive producer

Cinematography by
Dick Bush

Film Editing by
Michael Bradsell

Art Direction by
Ian Whittaker

Costume Design by
Shirley Russell

Makeup Department
Joyce James	....	hair stylist
Peter Robb-King	....	makeup artist

Production Management
John Comfort	....	production supervisor

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Mike Gowans	....	assistant director

Art Department
Andy Andrews	....	chief props
Roger Christian	....	associate art director
Paul Dufficey	....	original oil painting
Jill Quertier	....	property buyer
Peter Verard	....	construction manager

Sound Department
Iain Bruce	....	sound recordist
Ian Fuller	....	dubbing editor
Gerry Humphreys	....	sound re-recording mixer
Charlie McFadden	....	boom operator

Special Effects by
John Richardson	....	special effects

Camera and Electrical Department
David Cadwallader	....	camera grip
Eddie Collins	....	camera operator
Micky Thomas	....	gaffer
Malcolm Vinson	....	assistant camera

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Richard Pointing	....	wardrobe master
Leonard Pollack	....	assistant costume designer

Editorial Department
Stuart Baird	....	assistant editor

Music Department
John Forsyth	....	co-conductor
John Forsyth	....	music coordinator
Dana Gillespie	....	composer: song "Alma's Song"
Bernard Haitink	....	conductor
Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest	....	orchestra
Michael Moores	....	music arranger: piano

Other crew
Clinton Cavers	....	production assistant
Brenda Dale	....	assistant to producer
Richard Green	....	location manager
Gillian Gregory	....	choreographer
Kay Mander	....	script supervisor

Production Companies

• Goodtimes Enterprises

Distributors

• VPS-Goodtimes (1974) (UK) (theatrical)
• Fremantle Home Entertainment (2005) (UK) (DVD)
• Image Entertainment (1998) (USA) (DVD)
• Gaumont Distribution (1974) (France) (theatrical)
• Gaumont S.A.B. (1974) (Belgium) (theatrical)
• Mayfair Films (1976) (USA) (theatrical)
• Valio-Filmi (1975) (Finland) (theatrical)
• Adrian Munsey (1990) (UK) (VHS)
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) (1982) (USA) (TV) (broadcast premiere)

Other Companies

• Twickenham Film Studios  sound re-recorded at

Also Known As:

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Belgium:KT | UK:15 (video rating) | UK:AA (original rating) | Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Black Park Country Park, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

Goodtimes Enterprises

Trivia:

Cameo: [Oliver Reed] a train conductor blowing a whistle as Mahler's train is about to pull out of the station.

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Mahler's train leaves St. Pölten, a sign is visible identifying the town as "Saint Pölten". Yet, the German long script for the town is "Sankt Pölten".

Quotes:

Max:[laughs] I can't remember - what religion are you?
Gustav Mahler:I... am a composer.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Lisztomania (1975)

Soundtrack:

Alma's Song

A Masterpiece of sight and sound

I must confess ignorance in regards to the works of Ken Russell until just recently. After viewing "Altered States" I was curious to see more of his work and this little gem was the next film to come to my attention.

What struck me first of all are the remarkable similarities between this film and any number of Kubrick's works. From technique to unexpected and striking visuals, and of course, the use of classical music to underscore the action. Though obviously that's a given considering the subject matter here.

I found the film to be simply mesmerizing. Rather than trying to be some sort of historical document on the life of Mahler, the film gives visual interpretation to Mahler's work, and does so beautifully.