Diva (1981)
Trivia
The producers were looking for an actress who fit the description of Cynthia Hawkins (the Diva) in the original novel - a beautiful black American woman who sings a flawless operatic soprano, and speaks both English and French fluently. They attended a performance of Carmen to familiarize themselves with opera performers. Wilhelmenia Fernandez was playing the title role the night they attended the opera.
The movie is based on the book by Delacorta, which is part of a series of stories in which Alba and Gorodish are the main characters.
Wilhelmenia Fernandez did her own singing in this film.
The titular character was allegedly inspired by famous opera diva Jessye Norman.
This was the first film role for Wilhelmenia Fernandez. She was also featured in a television production of the opera La Bohème (1980).
First feature film directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix.
Included among the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider.
Cynthia tells Jules that she considers the music of Erik Satie "frivolous". Following, much of the film's score in scenes with Cynthia uses music reminiscent of Satie, such as when she and Jules are on their first date in the park, and when she is sitting at the piano in her hotel room just before her scheduled last Paris recital.
