THE FULL MONTEVERDI
POLYPHONIC FILMS / I FAGIOLINI
Theatrical release: Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa
Broadcasts: Argentina, Australia, Bolivai, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Equador, Finland, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Spain, Sweden, UK
DVD release: NAXOS
Writer/Director - John La Bouchardiere, Director of Photography - Nick Gordon Smith, Production designer - Chloe Lamford,
Costume designer - Mair Joint, Make-up designer - Cate Hall
One of the most moving collections of Renaissance vocal music brought to life as a contemporary drama for the screen.
"A brilliant film... a searing dramatisation"
The Times
"A musical and cinematic masterpiece"
Estadao (Brazil)
"A stroke of genius that defies a genre”
American Record Review
"This brilliant film... superbly acted, beautifully sung, unbearably moving"
Gramophone
"An exceptionally well crafted and thoughtful film"
Independent on Sunday
"A remarkably original conception, carried out with astonishing success"
Fanfare (USA)
"A brilliant adaptation... that is totally faithful to the composer’s music"
Opera Today
"The eye cannot tear itself away...
A tour de force"
Le Monde de la musique
"This brilliant film demands to be seen"
Classic FM
"Frontier shifting music drama"
The Independent (South Africa)
"A raw, emotional striptease"
Observer
"Unrelenting emotional delivery"
Early Music Review
"A terrifyingly involving narrative flow"
Classical Source
Claudio Monteverdi’s Fourth book of Madrigals (1603) explores differing emotional states of abandoned lovers through the most dramatic and amazingly modern music for vocal ensemble. The Full Monteverdi follows the simultaneous break-up of six couples, from shocking revelation, vengeful anger and erotic longing for reconciliation, as an ensemble film. Vulnerable and disarming, it draws viewers into its emotional journey and intensely moving portrait of contemporary love.
Seated in a restaurant, the six couples begin to quarrel over dinner. Onlookers are drawn to the interactions of their fellow diners, yet also wary of their invasive gaze, as the relationships fragment before their eyes. The couples fight over moments in the past, then reflect on better times and unrealised dreams. Ultimately, the six (singing) lovers are left to contemplate life alone.
The film takes place over an evening and following morning, with several scenes shot as flashback, giving viewers the back-story to the lovers’ downfall. The film is sung throughout.
The poets featured in the film include Ridolfo Arlotti, Aurelio Gatti, Giovanni Battista Guarini, Maurizio Moro, Ottavio Rinuccini and Torquato Tasso.