Farinelli

Farinelli, directed by Gerard Corbiau, is a 1994 biographical drama film about the life and career of Carlo Broschi, known as Farinelli, who was one of the most famous opera singers of the 18th century. The movie stars Stefano Dionisi as Farinelli, Enrico Lo Verso as his brother Riccardo, and Elsa Zylberstein as Alexandra, a woman who forms part of the complicated emotional dynamics between the brothers.

The story introduces us to Farinelli when he is already a renowned castrato, a type of male singer that was popular during the Baroque period, known for their ability to sing in the higher vocal ranges that a woman can reach. Farinelli was the most celebrated castrato of all, known not only for his stunning vocal range but also for his good looks and charismatic stage presence. However, behind his fame and his extraordinary abilities, lies a tragic story of personal sacrifice and complex family relationships.

Flashbacks offer a more comprehensive understanding of Farinelli's rise to fame. As young boys, Carlo (later known as Farinelli) and his older brother Riccardo were exposed to the world of music by their father, a composer. Their father instills in them a deep passion for music that guides both their lives, albeit in different directions.

Riccardo, well-portrayed by Enrico Lo Verso, is an envious and angry character - an aspiring composer eternally overshadowed by his brother's gift. He teeters on a moral edge, becoming both the catalyst for Farinelli's career and a constant source of his suffering. He's shown to express his love towards his brother by sometimes making decisions that are emotionally devastating and unsettling to Farinelli.

Stefano Dionisi plays Farinelli with an emotional depth that conveys the complexity of his character's existence. We see him as a man simultaneously blessed by extraordinary talent and cursed by the very thing that allows him to express it. The film emphasizes the cruel paradox of Farinelli's life - he can convey the deepest passions of human experience through his singing, but his ability to experience those same passions is stilted by the circumstances that gave him his voice.

Elsa Zylberstein is Alexandra, a sopranist who becomes an integral part of the brother's lives when she becomes the love interest of both. As a result, a tension-driven love triangle ensues, which further complicates their relationships. The film explores these intricate relationships with an emphasis on the themes of ego, jealousy and the compromised humanity in Farinelli's life.

Visually, the film is extravagant and lush, capturing the opulence of the Baroque opera world and the European cities where Farinelli's talent is received with awe and enthusiasm. The cinematography not only illustrates the richness of these settings but also provides a stark contrast to the personal turmoil the central character experiences.

Audiences can also expect to be enthralled by the music in the film. The Baroque pieces performed brilliantly heighten the emotional intensity of the scenes, providing not only a soundscape for the dramatic narrative but also a taste of the music of the era.

This film has gained recognition for its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and an evocative portrayal of the period. It won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 1995 and was also nominated for an Academy Award in the same category.

In conclusion, Farinelli is a riveting exploration of the life of a gifted man forced to live through an era that both celebrated his talent and marked him as a societal oddity. At turns euphoric and tragic, it is as much a film about the struggles and triumphs of a unique talent as it is about the universal human experience. This film offers a poignant, thought-provoking look at the life of one of opera's most intriguing figures, and is recommended for fans of historical biopics and classical music alike.