Callas Forever

"A triumph is worse than a failure if the price is too high"

Sep 18 2002 PG-13 1h 48m
Biography, Drama, Music

Aging opera singer Maria Callas tries to make a comeback by performing in a production of Bizet's "Carmen."

Plot

In 1977, Maria Callas (Fanny Ardant), the most famous diva in the world, lives confined in her Paris apartment. Larry Kelly (Jeremy Irons), a producer friend, offers her to sing "Carmen" in a televised concert. Unfortunately, Maria's voice, tired and worn by years and strain, is not what it used to be. Larry knows the way around the problem: a technical stratagem will create the illusion. Maria, disregarding her friend Sarah Keller's (Dame Joan Plowright's) warning, agrees with the idea and the show is a tremendous success. With that in mind, Larry now considers a new version of "Tosca". But this time, Maria objects to the subterfuge. Her decision will mark the beginning of the end for the legendary singer.

Written by

Franco Zeffirelli, Martin Sherman

Directed by

Franco Zeffirelli

Production Countries

Spain, United Kingdom, Romania, France, Italy

Production Companies

Cattleya, Alquimia Cinema, Medusa Film

Languages

Español, Français, Italiano, English

Awards

2 wins & 4 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
2,545
Average Rating
6.4 out of 10
Metascore
49
Popularity
NA