Movie spotlight
Iris
Following the runaway success of Cavalleria rusticana in 1890 at the age of 27, Mascagni did not rest on his laurels. In just a few years, he completed five operas, including Iris, premiered at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome in 1898. Mascagni might well have taken for his own Puccini's famous quip, “Against everything and everyone, make a work from melody”. And in Iris it is melodic invention which shows the composer's genius at its greatest. A melody by Mascagni is usually long, smooth and Italian-sounding; and Iris is full-on melody all the way, particularly in such crowd-pleasers as Jor's Serenade, the “Hymn of the Sun” or the duet in Act II “Oh come al tuo sottile corpo s'aggira”, which includes the famous “Piovra”. Furtheremore, with a little effort listeners can identify what would be the various musical “numbers”. In Iris, Mascagni is almost obsessively attentive to recitative and his exemplary flexibility at times recalls the sublime "conversation style" "invented" by Puccini.
Insights
Plot Summary
Iris is a documentary film that chronicles the life and style of Iris Apfel, a nonagenarian fashion icon. The film offers an intimate look into her unique approach to fashion, her extensive career in textiles and interior design, and her enduring passion for collecting and creating.
Critical Reception
Iris received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its vibrant portrayal of its subject and its celebration of individuality and aging with style. Critics lauded Albert Maysles' direction for capturing Apfel's colorful personality and her extraordinary life.
What Reviewers Say
A delightful and inspiring portrait of a true original.
Iris Apfel's unique perspective on fashion and life is captivating.
A celebration of individuality, creativity, and aging with grace.
Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved Iris, praising her unique style, infectious personality, and inspiring approach to life. Many found the documentary to be a joyful and uplifting experience.
Fun Fact
Iris Apfel's iconic spectacles, which she often paired with extravagant outfits, were inspired by an antique pair of opera glasses she found in a flea market.
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