Philip Glass: Looking Glass
Philip Glass: Looking Glass

Movie spotlight

Philip Glass: Looking Glass

2005
Movie
59 min
English

This documentary captures the overflowing energy and activity of one today's greatest composers, Philip Glass, and allows us to follow him from New York to London and from Paris to Boston. He speaks about his beginnings, his moving to Paris for two years of intensive study with Nadia Boulanger, his meeting with Indian musician Ravi Shankar and director Robert Wilson, who had a deep influence on his career. The film also shows him at work on the last details of his opera The Sound of a Voice, directed by Robert Woodruff and conducted by Alan Johnson. Éric Darmon's camera, with its poetic shots and original framings, takes us for a musical journey into seven months of the life of the composer who, rising from the underground scene of the seventies, brought on a revolution in modern theater.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Morgan NevilleGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary offers an intimate portrait of composer Philip Glass, focusing on his creative process and collaborations. It delves into his long-standing artistic partnerships, particularly with theater director Robert Wilson, exploring the synergy that has produced some of his most iconic works. The film captures Glass in various settings, from rehearsal rooms to his personal studio, providing insights into the mind of one of the most influential composers of our time.

Critical Reception

Philip Glass: Looking Glass was generally well-received by critics, who praised its insightful look into the composer's artistic world and his collaborative spirit. Reviewers noted the film's ability to capture the essence of Glass's minimalist style and its impact on contemporary music and theater. It is considered a valuable piece for both dedicated fans of Glass and those interested in the creative process of modern artists.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its deep dive into Philip Glass's creative process.

  • Highlights the significant artistic collaborations that shaped Glass's career.

  • Appreciated for its intimate and insightful portrayal of a modern musical master.

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Fun Fact

The documentary captures Philip Glass at his creative peak, exploring the genesis of numerous compositions that would become staples of the contemporary classical music repertoire.

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