The movie is (very!) loosely based in the life story of Carlo Broschi, the most famous and brilliant castrato singer of all times.
We follow his career and life while he tours Europe with his brother Riccardo with whom he shares his success and his women. They have a very especial relationship, since we immediately see that Riccardo’s success is due only to his brother’s talent. Without Carlo’s voice, he would be nothing more than an average musician.
While not having detailed information about the operation Carlo suffered as a young child, the scene in the milk bath can be shocking and reveal how much he had to go through to reach success…
Our genius had to have a rival and who else than the perfectionist and also gifted Handel, who is clearly portrayed as the villain.
Historical inaccuracies are many and the acting is sometimes awkward, for instance when Stephano Dionisi (Carlo Broschi) is singing. The brother’s relationship and the sexual scenes were used to add some more drama to the story, since Carlo was known to be chaste and a very religious man.
Despite its flaws, the movie is a lavishing and flamboyant portrait of the 18th century with an amazing photography who will make you hold your breath during the musical performances.
Since it was impossible to find a castrato’s voice, the director had to use an electronic voice which combined the voices of countertenor Derek Rogin and soprano Ewa Mallas. The result is intriguing and Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga will certainly remain in your memory and make you wonder how would it be to listen that particular music by the real Farinelli.
Directed by the Belgian, Gérard Corbiau, Farinelli, was the winner of a Golden Globe and a Oscar nomination for the Best Foreign Movie.
If the subject of castrato singers and the Baroque music interest you, this is certainly a movie to watch.
[youtube=http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=FuaC-s51asw&feature=related]
Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga:
[youtube=http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=NWMOmBohlTE]
More about the music :
http://mediatheque.ircam.fr/sites/voix/creer/farinelli.html (french)
