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Film Description
Ken Russell's stunning symbolic portrait of the life of one of the great composers, Gustav Mahler, here played by Robert Powell, as he reminisces on his life, in particular his turbulent relationship with his wife Alma and his conversion from Judaism. Stirring music, exquisite cinematography and lavish sets combine with a blend of history and psychological analysis to produce a fascinating study of art and sensuality.
There was a time in the early '70s that Ken Russell was viewed as the enfant terrible of the British film industry, perhaps with some justification. His films shocked ... more >
There was a time in the early '70s that Ken Russell was viewed as the enfant terrible of the British film industry, perhaps with some justification. His films shocked an unwary public with lurid depictions of satanism, sexuality and taboos. So where does 'Mahler' fit into his catalogue? Surprisingly, as a breath of fresh air amongst the angst.
Robert Powell makes an admirable Gustav Mahler, looking every inch the tortured celebrity conductor/composer as he travels on a final train journey home to Vienna, to die. No problems there. But what of Alma his unfaithful, uncaring, unfeeling wife? Russell depicts the couple through the goodtimes and the bad using Mahler's symphonies as a wonderful backdrop to the relationship and his rise as 'the greatest symphonist of the 20th Century'. Along with the music the cinematography is stunning as Russell takes us from the composer's tormented childhood to his struggle with anti-semitism at the very top of Viennese society.
Russell was criticised at the time for his portrayal of Alma Mahler played by Georgina Hale particularly by some Feminist and Jewish organisations. Some scenes still appear bizarre and in poor taste yet these are sideshows to a superb profile of one of the greatest composers.
This is one of Russell's best films that has stood the test of time. As we approach the composer's centenary I doubt that anyone will make a better biopic of Austria's flawed genius. < less
