The read
It runs a compact 59m.
Synopsis
Russell's composer biopics were usually labours of love. However, this was the opposite: Russell regarded the music of Richard Strauss 'bombastic, sham and hollow', and despised the composer for claiming to be apolitical while cosying up to the Nazi regime. Strauss is depicted in a variety of grotesquely caricatured situations: attacked by nuns after adopting Nietzsche's philosophy, duels with jealous husbands, literally batters his critics into submission with his music, and glorifies the women in his life and fantasies.
Ratings
TMDB8.3/10
3 audience votes
Key crew
- Ken RussellDirector
- Ken RussellWriter
Cast
- Christopher GableRichard Strauss
- Judith ParisCast
- Kenneth ColleyCast
- James MellorCast
- Vladek SheybalCast
- Imogen ClaireCast
- Sally BryantCast
- Maggy MaxwellCast
- Otto DiamantCast
- Gala MitchellCast
- Anna SharkeyCast
- Rita WebbCast
Themes
composerbiography