Franco Zeffirelli
France 2002 35mm 108min. english o.v.

The tempestuous relationship between legendary diva Maria Callas (luminous Fanny Ardant) and her former manager Larry Kelly (a delectably quirky Jeremy Irons) forms the heart of this whimsical, imaginary story of Callas’ final days, written and directed by her friend and colleague, Franco Zeffirelli. Following the deterioration of her voice, Callas lives as a recluse. Visiting her in Paris, Kelly (now a manager of rock bands) is shocked to find her so broken. He proposes an intriguing project: a film of the opera Carmen, in which Maria will lip-synch her recording of many years previous. Thus they resume their embattled partnership, mixing passion, genius and drive in an incendiary cocktail. The stars are ably supported by feisty Joan Plowright as a busybody journalist, and newcomer Jay Rodan as Larry’s handsome, artist boyfriend. Zeffirelli’s operatic treatment of his engrossing, hypothetical story creates a superbly indulgent fantasy, and a worthy tribute to his legendary friend. – SK