Movie Review: Carmen

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

An emotionally effective musical with truly outstanding musical numbers. 

This movie is the feature film directorial debut for Benjamin Millepied. Millepied is one of the most respected choreographers today. He has worked heavily on stage for the New York City Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. On the movie side of things he was the choreographer (as well as a dancer) for Darren Aronofsky's brilliant Black Swan (2010). With a director like this at the helm, it is no shocker that this film is such a visual treat. This is especially true of the musical numbers, which were simply breathtaking to watch. These are very extravagant musical numbers, yet the extravagance never becomes too much or distracting. Instead there is an incredibly delicate beauty to each of these musical numbers and when they come on screen it is hard to turn your eyes away. As a fan of musicals this was an especially wonderful treat considering how rarely we get dance numbers that are this impressive and this much of a joy to watch today. Yet the dance numbers are not the only time this movie visual shines. Almost this entire film is very visually impressive. The uses of montage, flashbacks, lighting and cinematography are all incredible. This makes it clear that Benjamin Millepied easily has what it takes to become a great director. Also incredibly impressive is Nicholas Britell's score. This score is truly incredible and simply beautiful to listen to. This sweeping score brings every scene completely to life and helps give the film an even stronger emotional power. The story is loosely based off of the famous novel and opera, Carmen. This may be a bit of a simplistic take on the story but just because it is simplistic doesn't mean it isn't effective. There is a real connection between the two main characters (helped heavily by the chemistry between the leads, Melissa Berrera and Paul Mescal) that creates a real emotional connection with the story. 

I will admit that as wonderful as the musical numbers are they do not really move the story forward. Because of this they sometimes feel like they are competing with the story. The romance and the musical numbers are both very well done but they do not always mesh with each other well. The storyline itself also at times feels quite rushed. It can seem to jump from major plot point to major plot to major plot point all too quickly. This also causes all of the supporting characters to feel very bland and forgettable. The political and social commentary also lacks the bite it should have. 

This may be a flawed film, but what works in this movie is truly wonderful.