The Threepenny Opera

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04/29/2016 good classic musical about London theater See more 04/04/2012 Pabst has done films far beyond this (i.e. Pandora's Box, Secrets of the Soul) but I still found it a highly enjoyable film. Makes me wish more Weimar directors did musicals. See more 02/21/2012 This film adaptation of one of Bertolt Brecht's definitive works shines as it honors it's source material and provides the viewer with a rather delightfully strange cinematic experience. I'm a big fan of Jean Luc Godard who has cited Bertolt Brecht as one of his influences, and has honored him by translating much of his theatrical techniques (namely, the alienation effect)to the French silver screen. And having seen over a dozen of his films, I can say that this film almost perfectly captures Brecht's technique. It's actually quite a sight to behold, and manages to provide the viewer with a truly unique experience. It may not be for everyone, and the occasional moments of inexplicable silence, and the still "frozen" camera shots may cause unadjusted viewers to feel uncomfortable. But I personally found them to be astounding. And rather funny as well, which was somewhat unexpected. Without comparing it to the original (although I have to admit I have not seen the original play), The Threepenny Opera is still a rather intriguing experience. Mack The Knife is a very interesting anti-hero, his intensity and charm is addictive. The entire storyline is a bit messy at times, but it's interesting for the most part, but may not be the most gripping of stories. One issue I had, was the absence of one of the most pivotal points in the original play (that I had read about). The film still works without it, but after reading the original, I feel like it would have been just that much better if the film had been more faithful. Still, the music is great, the dialogue is very snappy, and all the performances are great. I'm not sure if fans of the original play will enjoy this as much, but I feel like it somewhat captures the essence of it (at least, I imagine that it does.) It's a rather original experience, but it's that very same uniqueness that may be off-putting to more "close-minded" viewers. See more 12/30/2011 Somewhat dissapointing as I really loved Pandora's Box and the beginning shots were magnificant. Worth watching, but don't expect a whole lot. See more 12/30/2011 Of all the Weimar films I've seen, this is the Weimariest, with a total disdain for bourgeois morality and every character looking like a Grosz drawing. See more 12/30/2011 A handsome adaptation from Pabst, with some lovely long takes and biting commentary. See more Read all reviews

The Threepenny Opera

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