Synopsis

​ Antonio, a Spanish choreographer, wants to adapt the music of Bizet's famous opera “Carmen” into a ballet. However, there is no interpreter for the lead role. After much research, he finally finds a hidden pearl, who is actually called Carmen. Antonio is enthusiastic and puts her to the test, which is decisive. Her selection causes tension, especially the jealousy of Cristina, who is considered the best dancer in the troupe. Little by little, the rehearsals become more intense as love begins to develop between Carmen and Antonio. Antonio is completely mesmerized by this young woman.

Program Note

​ Carmen celebrates its 40th anniversary with a restored 4K version. The film, which is the second of Carlos Saura's 'Fllamenco Trilogy' (which includes Blood Wedding and Love, the Wizard), stars António Gades, who was a superlative figure in the world of Flamenco at the time. Gades plays the role of a choreographer who falls in love with the dancer portraying Carmen, while legendary guitarist Paco de Lucía also adds to the Spanish rhythms in the film. Carmen is widely considered to be the most visually innovative work in the Fllamenco Trilogy, as it blends flamenco and Bizet's opera into a theatrical masterpiece. (Jin. Cho)

Director

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  • Carlos Saura
  • Carlos Saura was born in 1932 in Huesca, Spain. While working as a professional photographer, he studied film at the Film Institute in Madrid in 1952. He made his directorial debut with The Delinquents in 1960 and started gaining attention with his third film, La Caza (The Hunt). After the fall of the Franco regime, he emerged as a leading director in Spain, known for his flamenco trilogy, which he directed in collaboration with dancer and choreographer Antonio Gades. His films in the flamenco trilogy earned him international acclaim.