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La Bohème (2008)
Director: Robert Dornhelm
Movie review
From Time Out London
On Broadway in 2002 Baz Luhrmann moved the story to 1950s America, but this latest film of Puccini’s operatic warhorse is more traditional. Detailed studio interiors recreate nineteenth-century Parisian bustle, as director Robert Dornhelm tries to illuminate the material from within. The result is approachable for newcomers, but with Dornhelm’s camera keeping a close watch on group dynamics, it’ll remind old hands to look beyond the creamy melodies. What emerges is a trenchant portrait of cash-strapped youngsters too beaten down to exploit opportunties for love. Star tenor Rolando Villazón shows a surprising deftness of touch, even if his glam leading lady Anna Netrebko looks too resilient to persuade as ailing seamstress Mimi. Their charisma’s centre-stage, though it’s serviceable rather than ecstatic.Author: Trevor Johnston
Time Out London Issue 2000/2001, Dec 18-31, 2008
Cast & crew
Director: Robert Dornhelm
Cast: Nicole Cabell, Boaz Daniel, Stéphane Degout, Ioan Holender
Duration: 114 mins
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