MovieChat Forums > Aria (1987) Discussion > Bryden’s original/uncut segment ?

Bryden’s original/uncut segment ?


I came across a review of Aria by Steve Jenkins in a publication called “Monthly Film Bulletin” Nov.87 Vol.54 No.646. His description of the Bryden segment differs significantly from what appears in the film version on my DVD and from the version I’ve seen broadcast on TV. Either he was viewing the film prior to the directors final cut or there are two versions of the film (I know that there is a special edition DVD).

Has anyone else come across this ???

The differences are as follows (Jenkins review first – my DVD version underneath in brackets);

1) Man walks through the streets of Cremona.
(As seen in the film)

2) Man enters the Cathedral and kneels before a painting of the Madonna & child.
(As seen in the film)

3) The man leaves the Cathedral and goes to the Opera House.
(In the film he just appears in the Opera house auditorium and looks up)

4) In the deserted opera house the man throws his hat into the air. It is caught by a woman in a box who then disappears.
(In the film he just appears in the balcony and looks around)

5) The woman from the box appears in the man’s dressing room mirror, then vanishes again.
(In the film the man just enters the dressing room and takes his gloves off)

6) The man applies clown make-up and follows the woman through the opera house.
(In the film the man just applies his make-up)

7) Now costumed as the clown in ”I Paglicci” the man beats his drum.
(In the film this is moved to segment 8 and replaced with a scene showing the man lighting a cigarette and continuing with his make-up)

8) The clown reads a letter then weeps.
(In the film this is replaced with the previous segment with the clown beating his drum)

9) The clown goes onto the stage to the sound of music and applause. The theatre however is empty except for the woman.
(As seen in the film)

10) The clown kisses the woman and mimes to the aria. She disappears and he collapses and dies.
(In the film the clown just mimes to the aria, collapses and dies)

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The DVD version that I saw (Region 4, Australia) is exactly the same as the "Jenkins review" version.

It isn't specifically marketed as a special edition, but it contains a 45 minute "making-of" documentary in addition to the film.

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