Movie spotlight
Ullmann: Der Kaiser von Atlantis
The Emperor of Atlantis declares a war of all against all and proclaims that his old ally Death will spearhead the campaign. Offended by the Emperor’s insolence, Death refuses to let anyone die, wreaking havoc throughout the world. Der Kaiser von Atlantis's origin as the only surviving opera composed in a Nazi concentration camp elevates it to a unique memorial against forgetting. Yet in the Deutsche Oper am Rhein’s production, the parable of living death is never cautionary, but ominous, disturbingly comical and deeply human.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the harrowing story behind Viktor Ullmann's opera 'Der Kaiser von Atlantis,' composed in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. It delves into Ullmann's life, his artistic vision, and the circumstances under which this powerful work was created amidst unimaginable adversity. The film also follows the efforts to bring the opera to the stage and its enduring message of hope and resistance.
Critical Reception
The documentary has been praised for its sensitive and powerful portrayal of Viktor Ullmann's life and his masterpiece. Critics highlight its historical significance and the emotional impact of bringing this story to a wider audience, particularly in its exploration of art's resilience in the face of destruction.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply moving and historically important documentary.
Highlights the power of art and the human spirit in the darkest of times.
Offers a compelling look at a lost opera and its composer.
Google audience: Audience reviews often express profound admiration for the film's subject matter and its meticulous research, noting its emotional resonance and educational value.
Fun Fact
Viktor Ullmann completed 'Der Kaiser von Atlantis' in Theresienstadt in 1944, and it was not performed there due to Nazi censorship; the opera was only staged in its full form decades after Ullmann's death.
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