GW Pabst was a master director of German cinema, especially excelling at his direction of actresses and developing their acting skills (i.e. Louise Brooks being a primary example). Bertholt Brecht's play is a classic and have always hugely appreciated the music of Kurt Weill (i.e. 'Street Scene'). Lotte Lenya left a huge impression on me when introduced to her as one of the great Bond villains in 'From Russia With Love' and she was every bit as talented a singer. So there was so much potential for 'The Threepenny Opera' to work.
And it mostly does work, quite well. 'The Threepenny Opera' may not be for those that prefer their stage to film adaptations to be one hundred percent faithful, which they seldom are in general. The anti-capitalist content is toned down, which left Brecht incensed, and it is a shame that several of the songs are cut and the order of the songs intact is at times re-arranged. It is not one of Pabst's best films, it's no 'Diary of a Lost Girl' for example, but his not so masterful films still always had interest value and so does 'The Threepenny Opera'. A film most notable for its incredible visuals and Lenya.
'The Threepenny Opera' has a lot of great things. Visually, the film is an absolute triumph. Not just the very evocative and at times elaborate sets and the at times eerie lighting, but especially the absolutely superb cinematography (some of the very best of that year, the best of it making the jaw drop). While some of the placement was questionable, the songs included are wonderful. "Mack the Knife" is considered a classic for very good reason and one can understand how today it is a big band favourite.
Dialogue is emotionally complex and while wordy it doesn't ramble. The story may be toned down politically, but is mostly compelling and the bold mood of the play is intact. Complete with some greatly executed scenes. The ending still astounds. The message still resonates and while it makes its point it doesn't overdo it in my view. Pabst's direction at its best is masterly, especially visually. Lenya re-creates the role that she portrayed on stage to legendary effect and her performance is utterly bewitching, her major solo is unforgettably performed and staged. Rudolf Forster makes Mackie a hard to dislike rogue. Carola Neher is a charming Polly and Fritz Rasp is formidable as Peachum.
Not everything works though. There are pacing problems where the film does at times badly lag. A primary example being the wedding scene, which goes on for far too long and feels very drawn out. The slapstick is not particularly amusing this time and comes over as clownish and not always merging with the atmosphere.
Some of the story is slightly disorganised too and the re-ordering of the songs doesn't always come off. "The Cannon Song" for instance feels very out of place and makes very little sense being placed at that point in the drama.
Overall though, impressive but to be taken on its own terms. 7/10
And it mostly does work, quite well. 'The Threepenny Opera' may not be for those that prefer their stage to film adaptations to be one hundred percent faithful, which they seldom are in general. The anti-capitalist content is toned down, which left Brecht incensed, and it is a shame that several of the songs are cut and the order of the songs intact is at times re-arranged. It is not one of Pabst's best films, it's no 'Diary of a Lost Girl' for example, but his not so masterful films still always had interest value and so does 'The Threepenny Opera'. A film most notable for its incredible visuals and Lenya.
'The Threepenny Opera' has a lot of great things. Visually, the film is an absolute triumph. Not just the very evocative and at times elaborate sets and the at times eerie lighting, but especially the absolutely superb cinematography (some of the very best of that year, the best of it making the jaw drop). While some of the placement was questionable, the songs included are wonderful. "Mack the Knife" is considered a classic for very good reason and one can understand how today it is a big band favourite.
Dialogue is emotionally complex and while wordy it doesn't ramble. The story may be toned down politically, but is mostly compelling and the bold mood of the play is intact. Complete with some greatly executed scenes. The ending still astounds. The message still resonates and while it makes its point it doesn't overdo it in my view. Pabst's direction at its best is masterly, especially visually. Lenya re-creates the role that she portrayed on stage to legendary effect and her performance is utterly bewitching, her major solo is unforgettably performed and staged. Rudolf Forster makes Mackie a hard to dislike rogue. Carola Neher is a charming Polly and Fritz Rasp is formidable as Peachum.
Not everything works though. There are pacing problems where the film does at times badly lag. A primary example being the wedding scene, which goes on for far too long and feels very drawn out. The slapstick is not particularly amusing this time and comes over as clownish and not always merging with the atmosphere.
Some of the story is slightly disorganised too and the re-ordering of the songs doesn't always come off. "The Cannon Song" for instance feels very out of place and makes very little sense being placed at that point in the drama.
Overall though, impressive but to be taken on its own terms. 7/10