Francesco Rosi’s Carmen, a film based on Georges Bizet’s opera, is celebrating its 30th anniversary today.
While other versions have been produced since, Francesco Rosi pioneered the use of dialog between the musical numbers. A true man of the movies, he was able to seamlessly blend these two art forms, making Carmen the best-selling film-opera globally.
Masterfully performed by Julia Migenes, it won the César award in 1985 for Best Sound and received no less than 6 nominations: Best Film, Best Director, Best Photography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design and Best Actress, as well as a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film in the same year.
1985, a year of endless accolades?
It was in his native country of Italy that Francesco Rosi saw his film shine, receiving the David di Donatello Award for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Set Designer and Best Costumes.
It also saw success in the world of European Musicals, with the Best Film Not in the English Language Award and a nomination for Best Music and Sound at the BAFTA Awards.
An everlasting opera and a timeless film, after 30 years, Carmen still captures the hearts of music lovers and film enthusiasts alike.
