Movie Review: Farinelli

Ah the life of a rock star: the fame, life on the road, the women, and no balls?  Alarming perhaps; but it seems to be the revolving theme of Farinelli (1994), the story of the famous castrato*, known as the best soprano in history. 

The movie opens dramatically with a nude choir boy warning the future Farinelli to not "let them do this to you" and then leaping to his death in church.  Young Farinelli (Stefano Dionisi) is understandably traumatized and begs his father not to be castrated.  Fast forward and adult Farinelli is  pleasing crowds with his soprano voice, instantly making you wonder, what happened in-between?  Did he change his mind, why the change of heart?  Farinelli's singing talents win him fame across Europe so he is constantly on the road performing in ensembles that would make Prince Poppycock swoon.  Always at his side is Farinelli's elder brother, Riccardo (Enrico Lo Verso), a lackluster composer riding on the coattails of his brother's success.  The two brothers share everything, including the endless stream of groupies seeking to be Farinelli's bedfellows.  But it isn't long before Farinelli tires of his brother's manipulation and that's when things get extremely complicated.

Although slow in a couple of sceanes, I really enjoyed Farinelli.  I was fascinated by the relationship the Broschi brothers had with one another and happy that the subtle love story didn't take over the film.  As I mentioned before, the filmmakers wouldn't allow you to forget what Farinelli was lacking although Farinelli himself seemed to be at peace with the idea, a far cry from when he begged his father not to be castrated in the beginning of the film.  Despite that ever so slight flaw, Farinelli was a great movie: a great story, talented actors, and wonderful set design.  I would recommend this movie to both 18th century enthusiasts and music lovers.  Although those who are repelled by subtitles should be aware that this is a French film so there is a certain amount of reading required.  Perhaps my favorite aspect of the movie, though, was the ending which was both satisfying and sweet.

*Castrati were male soprano singers who were castrated before they hit puberty in order to preserve their sweet voices

Turkey Change of Scenery

I hope everyone stateside enjoyed their Thanksgiving dinner and all the leftovers that come with it.  Perhaps you heard that there was a slight change in the holiday this year?  Every year the president pardons some lucky turkeys from appearing on his dinner plate.  For the last few years the turkeys were not only pardoned but got to enjoy their new found freedom in Disneyland.  This year the free trips to Disney are no more and the turkeys will have a more appropriate retirement.

Apple, this year's pardoned turkey, made his new home at George Washington's home, Mount Vernon a few days ago.  Why Washington's former retreat?  Well, Washington did raise turkeys and the historic home still does, although Apple won't be on display since he isn't historically accurate.  Perhaps the most important reason for the change of turkey residencies was that it was George Washington who made Thanksgiving a national holiday so it seems quite appropriate to give a nod to the first president.

This Christmas a camel will be joining Apple at Mount Vernon.  No, he wasn't pardoned.  This camel gets to join the growing zoo at Mount Vernon because Washington once wowed his Christmas guests with a camel.  No wonder everyone is blowing off Disneyland for Mount Vernon, that Washington knows how to entertain!

Yay or Nay? Farinelli

The results are in and the fashion mob has determined Izabela Lubomirska to be over-the-top.  In this case, though, that is a good, thing earning her a Yay.  Well, since we're in the mood for over-the-top let's keep looking, just make sure you look very closely!

Jacopo Amigoni paints Farinelli (ca. 1750-2) in pink pastoral splendor, complete with fabulous lace detail. Yay or Nay?

[National Gallery of Victoria]

Christmas Card Shopping for the 18th Century Enthusiast

I know we haven't reached the safe point for talking about Christmas yet, but it is still around the time when we start looking for those holiday cards we soon have to begin sending out.  I've been searching for some good 18th century-esque cards and I thought I'd share my findings with you. 

Zazzle has Allegory of December and Joyeux Noel cards for both colonial or French court fans
I've written about the wonderful Elizabeth Ocean before and she has released Christmas cards this year! Gingerbread and Candy canes.
I think this card is a bit over-priced but it's too gorgeous to not put up
Victorian and Albert Museum has this lovely winter silhouette scene card
Simple and elegant Damask cards
Colonial Williamsburg folk Christmas cards
CreationsbyTee has affordable and pretty Marie Antoinette Christmas cards

Have you seen any other good ones? If so let me know because I still haven't picked out my cards yet!