The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Opera is inherently weird: people singing their every speech. But with classical opera, one doesn't notice the effect so much, since they've always been around.
But relatively recent operas, especially with contemporary settings, somehow magnify the weirdness.
Take, for instance, 1964's THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG. A simple love story, it features a script in which every single line is sung. Thus, at about the 3:30 mark in the opening clip below, you can hear the immortal lyric, "Check the ignition on the gentleman's Mercedes."
Apparently, the entire film is available on YouTube in nine parts, for your operatic enjoyment.
But relatively recent operas, especially with contemporary settings, somehow magnify the weirdness.
Take, for instance, 1964's THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG. A simple love story, it features a script in which every single line is sung. Thus, at about the 3:30 mark in the opening clip below, you can hear the immortal lyric, "Check the ignition on the gentleman's Mercedes."
Apparently, the entire film is available on YouTube in nine parts, for your operatic enjoyment.
Comments
I actually saw this in a movie theater when a restored version was released around 1997. Thankfully Catherine Deneuve didn't sing her own part. In fact, I think all the vocals were dubbed in by professional singers.
Posted by Alex on 11/28/08 at 11:09 AM
Alex--indeed, the Wikipedia entry for the film explains that every single actor was dubbed!
Posted by Paul on 11/28/08 at 11:59 AM
Very catchy tunes.
Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 11/28/08 at 01:47 PM
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.
Category: Movies | Music | 1960s | Cars