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Don Giovanni

Don Giovanni (1961)

Sep 24, 1961 2h 56m Music

Of the five premieres produced during a four-month period, Mozart's "Don Giovanni" on the first night attracted an illustrious audience. In addition to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany and a selection of diplomats and politicians, high-ranking guests included theatrical directors from West Germany and other Western European countries, composers, conductors, actors, writers, painters and sculptors, not to mention rectors and lecturers from Berlin's universities and the world's leading music critics. [...] The success was commensurate with the significance of the occasion. All involved in the performance received countless ovations in front of the magnificent yellow curtain. The new building - and the new stage with its state-of-the-art technology - had shown itself to be more than capable of handling Mozart's most demanding work.

Cast

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Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
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Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

as Don Giovanni

Josef Greindl
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Josef Greindl

as Komtur

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Elisabeth Grümmer

as Donna Anna

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Donald Grobe

as Don Ottavio

Pilar Lorengar
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Pilar Lorengar

as Donna Elvira

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Ivan Sardi

as Masetto

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Erika Köth

as Zerlina

Walter Berry
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Walter Berry

as Leporello

Crew

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Thematic Analysis

Don Giovanni represents a fascinating example of Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Released in 1961, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Don Giovanni took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 176 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 235 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1961, when this film was released:
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: September 24, 1961
  • Runtime: 2h 56m

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