Backdrop preview Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny backdrop
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (2007)

Dec 18, 2007 2h 13m

- Recorded live at Los Angeles Opera, 1 & 4 March 2007. Welcome to Mahagonny, where sin is "in" and love is always on sale. This Old West boomtown rises from the desert to become a razzle-dazzle mecca for lust, liberty, and the pursuit of pleasure. Cash is king, poverty is punishable by death, and anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Director John Doyle melds his Tony Award winning talent with the lyrics of influential playwright Bertolt Brecht and an incomparable score by Kurt Weill. The brilliant cast is led by superstars Audra McDonald, as the tart-with-a-heart `Jenny' and Patti LuPone, who portrays the town's feisty madam. Audra McDonald · Patti LuPone · Anthony Dean Griffey Robert Wörle · John Easterlin · Mel Ulrich Directed for Stage by John Doyle Chorus and Orchestra of the Los Angeles Opera James Conlon, conductor

Directed by John Doyle

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • John Doyle

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director John Doyle brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 133 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2007, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: December 18, 2007
  • Runtime: 2h 13m

Similar Movies