Cast
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Matthew Polenzani
as Idomeneo
Alice Coote
as Idamante
Nadine Sierra
as Ilia
Elza van den Heever
as Elettra
Alan Opie
as Arbace
Noah Baetge
as High Priest
Michelle Bradley
as Woman of Crete
Rihab Chaieb
as Woman of Crete
Rolando Sanz
as Trojan soldier
David Crawford
as Trojan soldier
Eric Owens
as Voice of Neptune / Self - Host
James Levine
as Self - Conductor
MET Orchestra
as
Crew
Director
- Barbara Willis Sweete
Writer
- Giambattista Varesco
Producer
- Louisa Briccetti
- Victoria Warivonchik
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Metropolitan Opera: Idomeneo represents a fascinating example of Music 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 Barbara Willis Sweete 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 2017, 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 The Metropolitan Opera: Idomeneo took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 202 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 247 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 2210 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Metropolitan Opera: Idomeneo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Carmen, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Metropolitan Opera: Idomeneo subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Madame Butterfly and Così fan tutte explore similar territory, The Metropolitan Opera: Idomeneo stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 25, 2017
- Runtime: 3h 22m
