122. The Magic Flute (Trollflöjten); movie review

THE MAGIC FLUTE (TROLLFLOJTEN)
Cert U
137 mins
BBFC advice: Contains scene of hanging

I am about as knowledgable about opera as I am about Shakespeare but the everyfilm challenge has allowed me to dip my toe into its lush waters.
And Ingmar Bergman's The Magic Flute is one of the most famous big screen adaptations of the genre.
Bergman's season at the British Film Institute has opened up his work to me but I must admit I hadn't clicked with it.. until now.
His representation of Mozart's famous work is pleasing on the eye and surprisingly accessible.
I have read that it was a labour of love for the director who had first fallen for opera when he was just 12 years old.
He held the notion of filming one for many years, finally going for the Swedish language version of The Magic Flute in 1975.
He has created a film which leaves the audience feeling as if has been on stage with the cast, sharing in the tale of Prince Tamino (Josef Köstlinger) attempting to rescue the abducted Princess Pamina (Irma Urrila).
Håkan Hagegård is also one of the key players as the prince's earthy companion, Papageno.
As said, I am no expert, but I marvelled at the quality of the singing by all of the cast as well as the way in which Bergman is able to tell an engaging story which feels simultaneously like a film and theatre piece.
Bergman chose a young cast to make the impetuosity and naivety of their decisions and the speed at which they fall in love seem more believable.
Their youth also adds vibrancy to a piece which demands it.
One of the most famous elements of the film is the opening overture when he lingers over close-ups of the audience which was made up of family friends and even Swedish celebrities. It is a bit odd and led me to fear that this would be another off-the-wall Bergman movie.
Thankfully, it is not and is, therefore, my favourite of his work presented in the BFI season to mark 100 years since his birth.

Reasons to watch: Lovers of opera will lap it up
Reasons to avoid: Some may find it a bit high brow

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10

Director's quote - Ingmar Bergman: "Since we were not performing The Magic Flute on a stage but in front of a microphone and camera, we did not need large voices. What we needed were warm, sensuous voices that had personality. "

The big question - How has opera endured for centuries? 

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