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Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (2019)

Apr 16, 2019 3h Music

Of Shostakovich’s initial undertaking – a trilogy on the tragic destinies of Russian women through the ages – only one opera was ever written: the hard-hitting Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk. Although one of the mainsprings of the work, the Shakespearean parallel is here bitterly ironic: unlike Lady Macbeth, Katerina Ismaïlova who, in the remote reaches of rural 19th century Russia, falls in love with one of her husband’s employees and is finally forced to commit suicide, is less a manipulator than a victim of a violent and patriarchal society. Krzysztof Warlikowski liberates all the subversive power of this scorching and scandalous work, which marked the early years of the Opéra Bastille.

Cast

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Aušrinė Stundytė

as Katerina Lvovna Ismailova

Pavel Cernoch
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Pavel Cernoch

as Serguei

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Dmitry Ulyanov

as Boris Timofeevich Ismailov

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Sofija Petrovic

as Aksinya

John Daszak
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John Daszak

as Zinovy Borisovich Ismailov

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Krzysztof Baczyk

as A priest

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Oksana Volkova

as Sonyetka

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Ingo Metzmacher

as Conductor

Crew

Writer
  • Alexandre Preis
  • Dmitri Shostakovich

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Thematic Analysis

Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk 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.

Released in 2019, 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 Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk took approximately 3 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 214 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 204 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, 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 16, 2019
  • Runtime: 3h

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