Backdrop preview The Metropolitan Opera: Rigoletto backdrop
The Metropolitan Opera: Rigoletto

The Metropolitan Opera: Rigoletto (2022)

Jan 29, 2022 2h 22m Music

One of opera’s grimmest tragedies received a powerful new production during the 2021–22 season when director Bartlett Sher unveiled his Weimar-era staging of Verdi’s Rigoletto. In this performance, recorded as part of the company’s Live in HD series of cinema transmissions, commanding American baritone Quinn Kelsey gives a searing portrayal of the title character, a deformed court jester determined to protect the virtue of his daughter, Gilda, sung by radiant soprano Rosa Feola. His debauched employer, the Duke of Mantua, is tenor Piotr Beczała, with dynamic young maestro Daniele Rustioni on the podium to lead a cast that also features bass Andrea Mastroni as the assassin Sparafucile and mezzo-soprano Varduhi Abrahamyan as Maddalena.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Gary Halvorson

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Gary Halvorson
Producer
  • Louisa Briccetti
  • Victoria Warivonchik

Reviews

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

Thematic Analysis

The Metropolitan Opera: Rigoletto 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 Gary Halvorson 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 2022, 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: Rigoletto took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 142 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 180 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 257 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: January 29, 2022
  • Runtime: 2h 22m

Similar Movies