Of Swords and Parasols

Recently, I have watched both Ingmar Bergman’s 1975 adaptation of Mozart’s opera, and Kenneth Branagh’s 2006 version. I have some other DVDs that have been recced in my netflix queue, but I don’t think any are direct adaptations.

Surprising no one, I’m sure, my favorites are the Queen of the Night and her henchwomen. Which would explain why part of my preferring the Branagh version. He does more with them. And Pamina.

I love the story on a mythic level, though have some sues with it on an individual plot/character level. Like the shiny male ruler making everything better and they get rid of the evil female ruler.

But mostly, I want to comment on how I will never get over Tamino and Pamina’s epic and angsty love. He falls in love with her picture! (And did the Branagh version kind of nod to Labyrinth at that point?) She falls in love with him because he fell in love with her picture! As related to her by a man with a bird on his head! He must prove his worth by passing tests that include not talking to her! She sings of the suicidal angst this causes! It’s like Romeo and Juliet grew up and nothing changed except now it’s a fairy tale!