It's one of the finest documentaries I've seen.
Pavarotti delivers his life from beginning to end with stills, videos, clips, and interviews with his ex-wife, his wife, his protege, his daughters, partners, critics, agents, other singers, lovers, and, of course, the star.
Many performances and the change in his focus from opera to rock star to charities (especially after his friendship with Princess Di develops) are included.
The editors leave in enough of his songs to avoid audience frustration when they are cut too short.
Playing an important role in the film is a long interview (shown in segments) with Placido Domingo, 78, in the news this month charged with harassment by nine females. Domingo's planned performances in San Francisco and Philadelphia have been canceled, and investigations are underway in New York, where he's set to sing next month, and Los Angeles, where he serves as the opera's general director, but "no cancellations in Europe" say the headlines.
Had the charges surfaced earlier, I wondered if the producers would have left him in. Domingo's contributions are significant to the movie's success, adding depth and perspective, and, despite his supposed assaults, I am glad he's there.
The editors leave in enough of his songs to avoid audience frustration when they are cut too short.
Playing an important role in the film is a long interview (shown in segments) with Placido Domingo, 78, in the news this month charged with harassment by nine females. Domingo's planned performances in San Francisco and Philadelphia have been canceled, and investigations are underway in New York, where he's set to sing next month, and Los Angeles, where he serves as the opera's general director, but "no cancellations in Europe" say the headlines.
Had the charges surfaced earlier, I wondered if the producers would have left him in. Domingo's contributions are significant to the movie's success, adding depth and perspective, and, despite his supposed assaults, I am glad he's there.
Bono is also interviewed extensively, especially about the humorous blossoming of his relationship with Pavarotti which led to Pavarotti's rock star concert appearances, stirring criticism from opera buffs.
Pavarotti was all glee and smiles, at least, that was his public persona. He was nervous before each performance and always thought he had room to improve.
Watching the film I sadly waited for the advent of the younger, lovely woman to displace Wife #1, Adua Veroni (married 39 years) which inevitably happens. More than once.
Watching the film I sadly waited for the advent of the younger, lovely woman to displace Wife #1, Adua Veroni (married 39 years) which inevitably happens. More than once.
As famous, wealthy men are wont to say and do as they leave their spouses and children: "Who cares? It's all about me and my happiness."
Pavarotti died in 2007 at age 71 of pancreatic cancer but given his weight and the burden his heart carried, he lived a long life and still brings us joy. At the end of the film I was glad to have Three Tenors on my shelf at home.
One minor film flaw I found was the repeated (though infrequent) omission of the names of the interviewees to refresh them for viewers like me who asked myself: "Is she the oldest daughter?" and "Which soprano is she?"
Except for the first two rows in the theater where I went, every seat in the screening was taken.
A great, great doc! Enjoy!
Ron Howard directs.
patricialesli@gmail.com
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