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Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (2015)

Apr 01, 2015 3h Music

A major work from the remarkable partnership of playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill, Mahagonny was first performed in Leipzig in 1930. Its first ever Royal Opera staging, by Associate Director of Opera John Fulljames, is sung in English, and conducted by Mark Wigglesworth – recently announced as the successor to Edward Gardner as Music Director of English National Opera. Mahagonny is a satire on money, morality and pleasure-seeking among the dubious citizens of a fictional city. The richly varied, jazz-infused score, influenced by ragtime music, includes such irresistible melodies as the ‘Alabama Song’ and many dramatic ensembles. The superb cast includes Kurt Streit as the wild lumberjack Jimmy, Christine Rice as his sweetheart Jenny, Anne Sofie von Otter in a welcome return to The Royal Opera as the cunning Leokadja Begbick, and Peter Hoare and Willard W. White as her helpers and fellow-fugitives Fatty and Moses.

Directed by John Fulljames

Cast

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Anne Sofie von Otter
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Anne Sofie von Otter

as Leokadja Begbick

Peter Hoare
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Peter Hoare

as Fatty

Willard White
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Willard White

as Trinity Moses

Christine Rice
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Christine Rice

as Jenny Smith

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Kurt Streit

as Jimmy MacIntyre

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Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts

as Jack O'Brien

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Darren Jeffrey

as Bank Account Billy

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Neal Davies

as Alaska Wolf Joe

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Toby Higgins

as Hugh Francis

Crew

Director
  • John Fulljames

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Thematic Analysis

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny 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.

Director John Fulljames 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 2015, 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 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 180 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 208 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1580 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2015, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 1, 2015
  • Runtime: 3h

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