The Magic Flute

Bergman’s version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute is a charming cinematic treat.

The Magic Flute (1975)

The Magic Flute (1975)

Shooting in Swedish on a set replicating a lovely 18th-century theatre, Bergman begins his wonderfully warm, witty and sensuous movie by focusing on the faces of a rapt audience (momentarily including his own) enjoying the overture. Thereafter, as the (abridged and intriguingly amended) tale of Tamino, Pamina et al proceeds, he highlights the piece’s exuberant theatrical illusionism, at the same time deploying close-ups to enhance the emotions conveyed by an excellent young cast. An admirably light touch is applied throughout, making for a performance of musical excellence, dramatic vitality and enormous, effortless charm.

Geoff Andrew, Programmer-at-large

The Magic Flute will be released nationwide on 16 March 2018 as part of the Ingmar Bergman centenary celebrations.

Venues

March

30 March — 4 April
Chapter Cardiff

30 March — 5 April
Watershed Bristol

April

1 April
Hebden Bridge Picturehouse

5 April
Broadway Nottingham

6-7 April
Warwick Arts Centre

7 April
Electric Picturehouse, Wotton Under Edge

8 April
Glasgow Film Theatre

10 April
Stoke Film Theatre

16 April
Quad, Derby

22 April
Stamford Arts Centre

22-24 April
Eden Court

29-30 April & 1-2 May
JW3

May

1 May
The Dukes Lancaster

2-10 May
Cine Lumiere

20 May
DOY Brighton

20 May
Cambridge Arts Picturehouse

20 May
Central Picturehouse

20 May
Clapham Picturehouse

20 May
Crouch End Picturehouse

20 May
East Dulwich Picturehouse

20 May
Edinburgh Cameo

20 May
Exeter Picturehouse

20 May
Gate Picturehouse

20 May
Greenwich Picturehouse

20 May
Hackney Picturehouse

20 May
Little Theatre Bath

20 May
Liverpool Picturehouse at FACT

20 May
NMM Bradford

20 May
Norwich Cinema City

20 May
Oxford Phoenix Picturehouse

20 May
Regal Henley Picturehouse

20 May
Southmapton Harbour Lights

20 May
Stratford East Picturehouse

20 May
Stratford on Avon Picturehouse

20 May
York City Screen

20 May
Dundee Contemporary Arts

27 May
Regent Street Cinema

27 & 29 May
Ultimate Picture Palace

June

4 June
Edinburgh Filmhouse

July

8-9 & 12 July
Showroom Sheffield

August

9 August
Chelmsford Picture House

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