Gipsy Blood (aka Carmen) Review
.jpg)
Gipsy Blood
(aka Carmen)
Reviewed by Patricia Shaw
Starring: Margeurite Namara, Thomas F Burke, Don Jose, Lance Fairfax
Directed by: Cecil Lewis
Certificate: U
Running Time: 77 minutes
Release Date: 22 July 2013
RRP: £9.99
The music from Carmen was written by the French composer Georges Bizet and is frequently heard today, particularly the Toreador’s song which is played during the champagne celebrations on the Formula 1 podium. I have always loved the music but until now I had never seen the opera or any of the many film adaptations that have been made since it was first staged in Paris in 1875.
This original 1931 version of the film made by British International Pictures Limited at Elstree Studios was directed by Cecil Lewis. It is based on the opera “Carmen” which itself was adapted from a novella of the same name written by Prosper Mérimée. Parts of the film differ somewhat from the synopsis of the opera however the tragic ending remains the same. The main four characters Marguerite Namara (Carmen), Thomas Burke (Don José), Lance Fairfax (Escamillo – The Toreador) and Lester Matthews (Zuniga) play their parts well given the style of films of that era.
Despite a modern production logo as the DVD starts, the black and white film has not been re-mastered in any way and whereas some may say that it adds to the authenticity of the film, the crackle in the soundtrack and the grainy effect along with the periodic flashes can be more of a distraction.
The film begins with a street scene reminiscent of a silent movie. The costumes are lavish and the sets are well designed, however for a film that is supposedly set in the south of Spain, the very British accents make this aspect difficult to believe. From a cultural point of view, the flamenco dancing and bullfight are enjoyable and interesting to watch.
In effect it is a simple story of love and betrayal; nonetheless it requires full concentration to follow the intricacies of the story. When I first watched the film I was rather disappointed and found it difficult to remain focused, but I have since seen it 3 or 4 times. With each viewing I have noticed more of the finer details and it has certainly grown on me. It is very much a film rather than a televised opera or musical and it has a soundtrack which adds beautifully to the atmosphere of the events unfolding on screen. There are plenty of recognisable songs, all of which have been translated to English. Unfortunately however the operatic style still makes it hard to decipher the words.
As long as you can look beyond the irritating vintage film it is well worth watching.
Rating: 3.5/5
Available to buy from Network On Air here.
