Review of Lisztomania (1975) by Berni E — 15 Nov 2013
Please note that I am in no way trying to state the Ken Russell's truly insane film is great -- but it is so odd and visually lush one would have to work hard to state it isn't of interest. How a major Hollywood studio "green lighted" this movie is kind of awesome.
The concept is not bad --- and if one is familiar with the history of classical music, a case can easily be made that Franz Liszt may have very well been the first "star" who gave more "concerts" that standard-form performances.
Ken Russell's analogy of the 1970's Glam Rock Star to Franz Liszt just goes too many shades over the top. It doesn't take long before phallic symbols, a giant penis, and a comic book style story of Richard Wagner and Cosima Liszt creating a Hitler monster hellbent on Holocaust all to Rick Wakeman's interesting Rock/Electronica re-imagining of Liszt/Wager composition! This is camp on a whole new kind of level.
Plus, Ringo Starr is The Pope! With each passing scene this movie takes the most strange turns ever captured in a "mainstream/big budget" movie. A memorable cinematic error - Ken Russell's goofy movie deserves some credit for such heightened levels of non-restraint and ultra-weirdness.
Unforgettable. But, one viewing is likely all you will ever need. Franz Liszt with a Cockney accent! Who knew?
This review of Lisztomania (1975) was written by Berni E on 15 Nov 2013.
Lisztomania has generally received positive reviews.
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