Backdrop preview I Puritani backdrop
I Puritani

I Puritani (2007)

Nov 22, 2007 2h 29m

It's hard to imagine a video opera collection without this superbly sung MET production of Bellini's I Puritani. Not that it's perfect by any means, but its excellences--most especially Anna Netrebko's electrifying singing and acting of Elvira--banish carping about other aspects of this memorable night at the opera. Netrebko is fragile from the start, her facial expressions and hand movements immediately conveying the girl's vulnerability. She has a mad scene in each act; the first when she realizes her fiancé has disappeared with another woman, the third, in the final act, a brief relapse when her returned fiancé is taken by the army to be executed. But it's in the second act that the real fireworks occur, with a Mad Scene that rivals Donizetti's Lucia for bel canto primacy. Here, Elvira is first heard off-stage, after the chorus has informed us that she's deranged. She enters wearing her wedding gown and begins Qui la voce in a voice as frail as her psyche.

Directed by Sandro Sequi

Cast

View All
Eric Cutler
View Profile
Eric Cutler

as Lord Arturo Talbo

Anna Netrebko
View Profile
Anna Netrebko

as Elvira

John Relyea
View Profile
John Relyea

as Sir Giorgio

View Profile
Valerian Ruminski

as Lord Gualtiero Valton

Franco Vassallo
View Profile
Franco Vassallo

as Sir Riccardo Forth

Maria Zifchak
View Profile
Maria Zifchak

as Enrichetta di Francia

View Profile
Eduardo Valdes

as Sir Bruno Roberton

Patrick Summers
View Profile
Patrick Summers

as Conductor

Crew

Director
  • Sandro Sequi

Reviews

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

Thematic Analysis

I Puritani represents a fascinating example of 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.

Director Sandro Sequi 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 I Puritani took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 149 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 207 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The costume department created over 373 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2007, when this film is released:
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • 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: November 22, 2007
  • Runtime: 2h 29m

Similar Movies