Mozart In New Form Of Film Opera (Press, 31 July 1980)

Joseph Losey, the director of a new film adaptation of Mozart's "Don Giovanni," expressed that the production marks a significant shift in how opera is portrayed in cinema. Set to premiere at the Savoy Cinema Centre on 1 August 1980, Losey claims this is the first opera to be filmed entirely in real locations and features live recordings of specific musical segments, thus distinguishing it from traditional stage performances and operas adapted for television. Losey detailed his ambitious vision for the film in a memorandum to the cast and crew, outlining the extensive considerations necessary for the project. His remarks covered a wide range of topics, including the traditions of opera, the use of media, linguistic and stylistic nuances, and the discipline required to faithfully portray the music and libretto of Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. He emphasised that the acting must align closely with the music, steering away from conventional gestures to maintain authenticity in storytelling. The narrative of "Don Giovanni" integrates classical theatrical elements such as mistaken identity and suspense, while the music of Mozart provides an overarching charm. Losey characterised the title character, Don Giovanni, as a complex figure—cynical and cruel yet occasionally showing vulnerability. He suggested that Don Giovanni's sexual pursuits reflect deeper fears and a quest for connection, characterising him not strictly as homosexual, but as a bisexual man evading personal truths and relationships. Losey described the character's frantic sexual escapades as akin to using sex as a drug, portraying him as a tragic yet intriguing figure, emblematic of a broader sexual dilemma. The film seeks to capture Don Giovanni's essential allure, noting that despite his numerous conquests, he remains a "privileged lost soul" incapable of truly enjoying life. Despite his flaws, Don Giovanni is portrayed as charismatic and energetic, qualities that make him attractive to women, driven by an insatiable desire for life. Losey's insights aim to communicate the multifaceted nature of the character and provide a fresh interpretation of the classic opera through this filmic lens.

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