A Hilarious Recap of “Aria”: A Cinematic Feast of Short Films
Picture this: a collection of ten short films, each directed by a different cinematic maestro, weaving together the beauty of opera arias with the visual flair of modern cinema. Welcome to “Aria,” where each segment plays like a dramatic buffet for the senses, seasoned with the spice of humor and a dash of absurdity!
Act I: The Directors’ Duel
First up, we have Ken Russell, who kicks things off with a bang (or should I say a crescendo?). His piece, set to Puccini’s “Nessun dorma,” features a wild-eyed tenor scaling a mountain while singing about some serious nighttime drama. Spoiler: he’s not just climbing for fun; he’s trying to escape a bunch of angry sheep! And let me tell you, those sheep do NOT appreciate opera.
Act II: The Godard Effect
Next, Jean-Luc Godard takes us on a surreal journey with his take on “O mio babbino caro.” Here, a young woman pines for love while casually contemplating the meaning of life in a laundromat. Spoiler alert: she ends up folding more than just her emotions—she folds a wedding dress that she never wanted to wear in the first place!
Act III: Altman’s Ensemble
Then there’s Robert Altman, who brings us an ensemble piece set to Mozart’s “Der Hölle Rache.” It’s a chaotic dinner party where everyone’s singing their grievances at once. Spoiler: by the end, the only thing they’ve managed to agree on is that the soufflé was a disaster. And honestly, who can blame them? It was a real flat note!
Act IV: Beresford’s Bliss
Bruce Beresford serves up a slice of life with his interpretation of “La donna è mobile.” A charming rogue is on the run from love—literally. He’s dodging women like they’re laser beams, all while singing about how fickle they are. Spoiler: he gets hit by Cupid’s arrow, and suddenly finds himself juggling three bouquets of flowers and a love letter. Talk about a plot twist!
Act V: Roeg’s Rhapsody
And finally, we have Nicolas Roeg, who delivers a mind-bending experience with his aria set to “Ave Maria.” In a world where time stands still, a man searches for his lost love, encountering various versions of her along the way. Spoiler: he eventually realizes she’s been living in his sock drawer the whole time. Who knew love could be so… tangled?
Finale: A Symphony of Spoilers
So, what do we take away from this quirky cinematic opera? Each director spins a tale that melds the grandiosity of arias with the absurdity of modern life. “Aria” is a delightful romp through sound and vision, proving that while love may be a battlefield, it’s also a stage for some truly hilarious performances. In the end, whether it’s sheep, soufflés, or sock drawers, this film reminds us that life—and opera—are best enjoyed with a hearty laugh!