Aria (1987)

Ten short pieces directed by ten different directors, including Ken Russell, Jean-Luc Godard, Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford, and Nicolas Roeg. Each short uses an aria as soundtrack/sound (... See full summary »

Directors:

Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford

Writers:

Robert Altman (segment), Bruce Beresford (segment)

Stars:

John Hurt, Theresa Russell, Stephanie Lane

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Theresa Russell	...	King Zog (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Stephanie Lane	...	Baroness (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Roy Hyatt	...	Chauffeur (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Sevilla Delofski	...	Maid (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Ruth Halliday	...	Companion (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Arthur Cox	...	Major (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Dennis Holmes	...	Colonel (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Paul Brightwell	...	Assassin (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Frank Baker	...	Assassin (segment "Un ballo in maschera")
Christopher Hunter	...	Assassin (segment "Un ballo in maschera") (as Chris Hunter)
Nicola Swain	...	Marie (segment "La virgine degli angeli")
Jackson Kyle	...	Travis (segment "La virgine degli angeli")
Marianne McLoughlin	...	Kate (segment "La virgine degli angeli")
Marion Peterson	...	Les Jeunes Filles (segment "Armide")
Valérie Allain	...	Les Jeunes Filles (segment "Armide")

Storyline

Ten short pieces directed by ten different directors, including Ken Russell, Jean-Luc Godard, Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford, and Nicolas Roeg. Each short uses an aria as soundtrack/sound (Vivaldi, Bach, Wagner), and is an interpretation of the particular aria.

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Plot Keywords:

rigoletto | muscleman | singing in the nude | assassination attempt | female nudity | 

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Taglines:

Ten great directors. One unforgettable film. The most sensual experience you'll ever have in a movie theater.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

Italian French German English

Release Date:

30 October 1987 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ária

Filming Locations:

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$1,028,679

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lightyear Entertainment,Virgin Vision,A Don Boyd Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During one vignette, Buck Henry is talking on a payphone to "Woody", trying to interest him in participating in a movie called "Aria". He mentions that "Fellini" is also directing a segment. Filmmakers Woody Allen and Federico Fellini at one time were both attached to the project, but ended not participating due to various conflicts.

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Quotes

Les Jeunes Filles: [Armide segment] He looks like he's made for love. He hasn't found my eyes charming enough. He hasn't found my eyes charming enough.
Les Jeunes Filles: O how I'd love to hate him.

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Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Bob Saget/TLC (1995)

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Soundtracks

The Lute Song (Glück, das mir verblieb)
from "Die tote Stadt"
Music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Performed by Carol Neblett and René Kollo with Münchner Rundfunkorchester (as Munich Radio Orchestra)
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf
segment "Die Tote Stadt"

User Reviews

10 Segments -- Brilliant to Fair

Definitely worth watching.

Ten different directors each present a segment based on their favorite opera aria. You don't need to be an opera lover to watch this film. (Although, of course, if you hate opera, you're really going to have a bad time with this!)

Not surprisingly the segments range from brilliant to only fair. Most of the fuss seems to be over Godard's contribution -- whether you think he's brilliant or pretentious, his segment won't change your mind.

Some of the pieces have a clear narrative; others are more a montage of connected images.

None of the pieces is more than 10 minutes or so; if you're not happy with what's on the screen, wait for the next segment, and think about how much culture you're soaking up.

Keep your eyes open for performances by Buck Henry, Beverly D'Angelo, Elizabeth Hurley, Briget Fonda, Tilda Swinton, and John Hurt. (The Buck Henry segment alone is worth the price of admission).