

Movie spotlight
The Sleeping Beauty
The Sleeping Beauty holds a special place in The Royal Ballet’s repertory. It was the ballet with which the Company reopened the Royal Opera House in 1946 after World War II, its first production at its new home in Covent Garden. Margot Fonteyn danced the role of the beautiful Princess Aurora in the first performance, with Robert Helpmann as Prince Florimund. Sixty years later, in 2006, the original 1946 staging was revived by then Director of The Royal Ballet Monica Mason and Christopher Newton, returning Oliver Messel’s wonderful designs and glittering costumes to the stage.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a remote, experimental psychiatric clinic, two young women, Aurora and Marinella, forge an unlikely friendship. Aurora, an aspiring actress, and Marinella, who suffers from aphasia, find solace and connection amidst the institution's unconventional therapies. Their bond deepens as they navigate their personal struggles and dream of a life beyond the clinic's walls.
Critical Reception
The film garnered a mixed to positive reception, with critics often praising its artistic direction and the performances of its lead actresses, while some found its narrative pacing and thematic explorations to be uneven. Audience reception was similarly divided, appreciating its unique take on mental health and young womanhood but sometimes finding it too abstract.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its visually striking cinematography and emotional depth.
Some critics noted the film's meandering plot and underdeveloped supporting characters.
The strong performances of the lead actresses were a consistent highlight.
Google audience: Viewers generally appreciated the film's artistic vision and the poignant portrayal of female friendship and resilience. However, some found the story to be slow-moving at times and wished for a more concrete resolution.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film for Italy.
Fun Fact
Director Paolo Virzì initially intended for 'The Sleeping Beauty' to be a musical film before evolving into its current dramatic form.
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