When I first saw this film in about 1980 I was entranced by it. I was a fan of Richard Chamberlain's before that and a lover of Tchaikovsky's music so the two together plus Russell's idiosyncratic style made it a big hit with me. I've watched a couple of clips on YouTube and it brought back memories. Why don't they make films like that anymore and why don't they release it on DVD?
It is indeed a great film and considering it was a commercial success at the time, I'm surprised Warner Bros (I think they now own the rights to the UA catalogue) haven't released on DVD it given the amount of very minor, third rate stuff one can buy on disc now.
It was one of the first film Russell films I saw and probably as good as any introduction to his oeuvre - full of vivid fanatasia but constructed in a fairly tight framework. Good acting in this one help, notably Glenda Jackson's powerhouse performance.
The early piano concerto sequence alone assures it a place with the greats, but I imagine it falls short of people's expected notions of what a biography should be: the 1812 sequence probably souring it for many. Yet this is a glorious FANTASY (not to be viewed too literally)sequence of greed and the kind of ludicrous revenge we've all had thoughts about. Alas all-too-literal interpretations rule the day...
Such a shame that none of those titles is available on DVD. Just inexplicable! Fortunately, I have both "The Music Lovers" and "The Boy Friend" on VHS. These are excellent earlier works by one of the finest and most visionary filmmakers of the '70s and '80s. Yes, Ken Russell is indeed provocative, but that's a good thing!
Wow, you got ripped off for that DVD! That's the bootleg that has been going round for a couple of years. It's often on amazon and ebay and I got my copy for about $10.
I had a massive crush on Richard Chamberlain when I was a teenager. I remember going to see The Three Musketeers about five times, once sitting through two showings at the cinema! He was indeed very handsome as a young man - watching him again in The Music Lovers reminded me what a heart throb he was.
You're quite right about great films that aren't 'popular' not being available on DVD. I'd love to see the 1980 classic Nijinsky released on DVD but alas it's only available on VHS. Alan Bates was brilliant as Diaghilev. Such a shame.
Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.
Directed by Richard Lester and released in 1973 it's a glorious romp full of adventure, high spirits and comedy. Oliver Reed, Michael York and Frank Finlay also star and provide some eye candy alongside Chamberlain.
How did I manage to miss the BBC documentary about Nijinsky and Diaghilev?! What a shame. I hope it gets repeated - soon!
Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.