Director Ron Howard is not known for his documentaries. But Pavarotti manages to capture the essence of the flamboyant opera singer. I’m not a huge fan of opera, but I have a couple dozen CDs of various operas (mostly Mozart) and opera singers (mostly Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and Renee Fleming). Ron Howard manages to interview Pavarotti’s ex-wife, his daughters (one of whom had completely broken with her father), various managers, some of Pavarotti’s mistresses, and friends. Yes, there’s plenty of music in Pavarotti but Ron Howard is more interested in exploring Pavarotti’s life instead of his opera performances.
For all of Pavarotti’s flaws, he clearly had a good heart. When his friend, Jose Carreras, wanted to return to the stage after a year of cancer treatments Pavarotti joined with Placid Domingo and Carreras to become The Three Tenors. Their concert was historic and the CD became the best selling opera recording ever. Over his career, Pavarotti’s recordings sold 100 million copies. He was on the cover of TIME and even starred in TV commercials. Pavarotti became the most well-known opera figure of his time. And, of course, Pavarotti’s voice was one of the best of the 20th Century. Luciano Pavarotti was a complicated man (even though he called himself a “simple peasant”) and Ron Howard’s documentary shows many aspects of his multi-faceted personality. Highly recommended! Are you an opera fan? Do you like Pavarotti’s music? GRADE: A
My favorite operas are the ones in Bugs Bunny cartoons!
Bob, I love those great Bugs Bunny cartoons, too! Great fun and great music!
Not an opera fan at all – the only thing I like even less is an operetta, don’t know why … 🙂
Wolf, Art Scott didn’t like opera either. He compared opera singing to extreme body building. Good analogy!
So-so opera fan but I plan to see this doc. I saw him perform once in a sports arena. which sort of ruined the experience. But his voice was something special.
Patti, PAVAROTTI shows his rise from traditional opera to performing like a rock star in sports arenas. Astonishing story! You’ll like it.
No, not an opera fan, though we’ve seen a few over the years, most memorably AIDA in Rome, outdoors at the Bath of Caracalla! The same friend took us to see WILLIAM TELL, and Jackie was disappointed not to leave after the Overture!
But we did have an up close and personal encounter with Pavarotti. When we went to London, a regular dining spot was The Carvery at the Regent Palace or Strand Palace Hotel. You get served an appetizer, then go up to the carving board, where servers cut you big slabs of roast beef or pork or lamb, which you garnish with potatoes, veg, and Yorkshire pudding. We were eating there one day when who walks in but Luciano in the flesh. He seated himself, then just walked over to the carving board and obtained a huge portion of meat, which he proceeded to eat, rapidly. I’m sure I was not the only one to recognize him, but no one bothered him.
Jeff, I’m so impressed with another story about meeting a celebrity. You and Jackie sure get around! Despite his weight problems, it was pancreatic cancer that killed Pavarotti.
I like opera and have seen a number over the years, including the reliable “Carmen” and “Pagliachi.” I went through a phase where I had lots of opera (on vinyl)—including several different versions of the Ring Cycle, plus collections of some of the great divas: Birgitte Neilsson, Lily Pons, Maria Callas, etc. But tastes change. These days, I’d rather listen to Andrea Bocelli singing “Con Te Partiro”—cloyingly sentimental, but it works for me every time!
Deb, like you I’m more into “pop” opera singers like Sarah Brightman. I love the duet of Brightman and Bocelli singing “Time to Say Good-Bye.”
Not a fan of opera either. I always thought opera is to classical music what heavy metal is to rock.
Steve, a lot of people feel the same way you do. A little bit of opera goes a long way with me.
Just got home from having a CT scan. Never fun, but not too bad. My last one was three years ago, same very nice technician. Now to wait for the results in a week or so. Fingers crossed.
Rick, good luck with the CT scan. As you know, Richard Moore’s wife was suffering from headaches and her doctor sent her for a CT scan. They found a brain aneurism which required surgery. But, fortunately, it seems the doctors at Johns Hopkins caught it in time. Where would we be without CT scans, MRIs, and other advanced testing procedures!