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:

A superbly sensual experience

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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:

Ария

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

Woody Allen declined, when he was approached to direct a part of this film, due to schedule problems.

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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

Liebestod
from "Tristant und Isolde"
Music by Richard Wagner
Performed by Leontyne Price with The Philharmonia Orchestra (as Philharmonia Orchestra)
Conducted by Henry Lewis
segment "Liebestod"

User Reviews

What art is about--challenging the viewer

Robert Altman, Nicolas Roeg, John-Luc Goddard--you were expecting a fun film the entire family could enjoy? These and other directors were obviously chosen because they have not followed the mainstream, but created it. For those that complain that they did not adhere to the original story of the opera--How often does the music in a film directly relate to what is going on in the film? It is the mood that counts. This is what I believe the directors of these movies were doing: creating a contemporary mood for old operas. For the most part they succeed wonderfully. With all these operas, who is going to like them all. We could have used more Beverly Sills.

Finally, what is art (even opera) without a few naked women?