Movie spotlight
Rhapsody
Rhapsody was created in 1980 and is one of Frederick Ashton’s final works – a virtuoso conclusion to his series of non-narrative ballets. It was created for acclaimed Russian dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, who requested the Ashton commission and whose personality is at the heart of the work. The male Principal role is characterised by exceptionally fluent leaps, turns and lightness of movement. It is twinned with the strength and grace of the ballerina, a role created on the pure, fleet-footed style of former Royal Ballet Principal Lesley Collier. The ballet is set to Sergei Rachmaninoff’s well-known Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which moves from stormy passages to calmer interludes. The premiere of Rhapsody was given at the Royal Opera House in honour of Ashton’s close friend Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1970s London, a troubled jazz club owner struggles to keep his business afloat amidst mounting debts and dangerous criminal elements. As his financial situation worsens, he becomes entangled in a deadly underworld affair, forcing him to make impossible choices to protect himself and his loved ones. The film explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of desperate decisions.
Critical Reception
Rhapsody received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its pacing slow and its plot predictable. While some praised the performances of the lead actors, particularly Jared Harris and Brendan Gleeson, others felt the film failed to deliver on its potential, suffering from a lack of originality in its crime thriller elements. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm.
What Reviewers Say
Praiseworthy performances from the lead actors are unfortunately let down by a formulaic and uninspired plot.
The film struggles to build suspense, often feeling slow and predictable despite its thriller elements.
Visually, the film captures the gritty atmosphere of 1970s London, but this is not enough to salvage a weak narrative.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Rhapsody were largely unfavorable, with many viewers citing a lack of engaging storytelling and a slow pace as major drawbacks. While some appreciated the period setting and acting, the overall sentiment was that the film failed to leave a lasting impression.
Fun Fact
Director Niels Arden Oplev previously directed the original Swedish version of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.
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