The Opera Lover (1999) User Reviews

One of the most entertaining films in a long time.

[sbf · 8/10 · 26 December 2000]

Not just low-budget films, but all films. This is a real sleeper. If you don't love opera, you probably won't like this. The story is entertaining and amusing. If you know and love opera, the final scene will leave you crying. If not it will leave you bored.

I strongly recommend this film. It's a good romance and a good story about people in general. The only shortcomings are from an obviously low budget. It's too bad. This could have been another low-budget classic.

A Pleasant Surprise

[Peter Anderson · 6/10 · 28 September 2002]

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this film. Hats off to these filmmakers and others who are bucking the system and creating engaging independent films in the Midwest. Between this and a rather disturbing Dogma 95 film that I saw at the Montreal Film Festival earlier this year (shot in Chicago--missed the first 10 minutes--title anyone?), I'm shocked that there is not more of an active independent film community in Chicago. There's talent there, I think.

Sleeper? Only if you're sensibilities aren't awake!

[Peegee-3 · 24 July 2001]

What a treat! This so-called sleeper (only because its low-budget with a cast of unknowns) is an eye-opener. Why can't there be more movies like this one? Original dialogue, fine acting and a moving story of a man having trouble getting his life in focus. The music, nicely distributed, is glorious. My sympathies and interest were fully engaged. There are wonderful contrasts between the sophisticated concert world and the work-a-day demands of a produce company. Questions of satisfying romantic attachments, personal accomplishment, familial relationships are all dealt with...with just the right amount of humor and pathos. Rent this lovely film and give yourself a delightful filmic experience!

Look out Pavarotti!

[screenstarr · 9/10 · 7 June 2002]

Sure, this film is a classic romance, but the treatment is refreshing. The acting is splendid (especially by at least three of the Bastounes family), the witty dialogue rings true, and it's a pleasure to get involved with characters who aren't Ken and Barbie clones. However, it's the music that is especially beguiling. Even non-aficionadi of the opera will surely enjoy it.

I also liked the way the blue-collar background of the main character, George, is juxtaposed with the high-falutin' milieu of the art (i.e., opera) world. Scenes featuring the opera house's gorgeous stage sets and five-star hotels are nicely contrasted with Southside Chicago neighborhoods.

The filmmakers are obviously from the indie scene and received help from movie notables. (I noticed Woody Allen is thanked in the credits.) But this film was made three years ago. What are they up to now? (I hope the Weinstein brothers are listening.)

A total stinkaroo!

[neiltaylor-1 · 1/10 · 5 October 2002]

I discovered this awful flick on imbd by accident while doing a search for Ken Russell's "The Music Lover". When I read the "storyline" (a generous characterization on my part) for "The Opera Lover" I recalled seeing it (or portions thereof until I turned it off in agony) on probably the same late night cable channel another reviewer did. This flick should really be picked up by MST3K (Mystery Science Theater 3000) as one of the really bad movies the poor souls are forced to watch as they drift endlessly through the cosmos.

The acting...be that as it may...is laughable and wouldn't even cut it for 3rd rate community theater. The "tenor" and star of the joke is an overweight trucker who rediscovers a lost love (I'm guessing it's a spoof of an opera diva) when she comes to town during an undefined concert tour. Along the way we see the "star's" family trying to fill in the blanks while they stumble through this tedious waste of film. The only somewhat...tolerable...character is the alcoholic dad who mumbles unintelligible words of encouragement to the star struck son. Yes, it's a mishmash of an undertaking to say the least. If you're a total masochist and/or related to the would-be actors then by all means watch it.if it ever emerges again on late night TV. If none of the above, save your time and watch a Petticoat Junction rerun; you'll find it infinitely more professional and still worth a chuckle.

This one's a WOW!!

[Chappy-7 · 10/10 · 24 July 2001]

What a wonderful film! Basically unknown actors who can act and write and direct!! This film was a pleasure to watch and it made me wonder why they haven't put another film together? The dialog is superb. Such lines as the lead, Tom Bastounes, who also co-wrote the script, saying to his long lost love, played by Monica Zaffarano, "You've haunted me for 15 years. Why don't I haunt you." I saw this movie on Showtime. If you get a chance to view it, do so. As it did me, it will make you say, Bastounes, Zaffarino. Who are these people? Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!!

Amaturisish home video is as dumb as they come

[mpearl404 · 1/10 · 24 September 2002]

I caught this amateurish effort on late-late-night Showtime when the only alternatives were infomercials. This apparently home-made video rambled on with a barely discernable plot and featured a family of losers who have something to do with a fruit market and an opera singer who looks like a Saturday Night Live parody of an aged Maria Callas. I watched with disbelief as the amateur ensemble of would-be "actors" stumbled through the film as a lesson in bad ad-libbing.

Either those on IMBD who claim they liked it are related to the video's producers or rank the Cartoon Channel as great TV. What a waste.

Mark Pearlman

please see it

[kcfl · 10/10 · 24 December 2000]

This is a wonderful movie. The dialogue is among the best, many quotable lines that I will not spoil. This film reveals a plethora of talent. Though it's about an opera star who meets an old love (now a produce man), singing is confined to a few dramatic moments, including the climax.

Here's one great line. An ex-husband says to his wife who's about to remarry, "I give you a wedding gift of four words: 'he had his chance.'" If it comes around again (on Sundance Channel), please see it.

Art imitates life

[crypticcrytic · 30 October 2002]

You know how it is when a former lover returns home a famous performer and you, a feckless homey, try to pick up where you left off. You do? Because I don't.

Here we have a lovable loser who thinks self-determinism has more to do with evolutionary theory than mature adult behavior. He's beginning to come to terms with his condition - "You know what happens when you walk away from something that should have been? Nothing!" - but not ready to make the leap and take control. And for an encore, where does our hero with a failed marriage find happiness? He doesn't know either. But he's trying.

This one features witty writing and likeable characters. One thing is certain: when you're the writer you can give yourself all of the good lines and can write yourself a happy ending. But they still may toss tomatoes after your performance.

This ambitious indie was re-released on the coattails of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" to capitalize on the success of another. I'd like to see this hopeful film reach its niche audience if only to help some starving artists who are also my former neighbors.

Shameless promotion.

Loved it!

[DarlinDarla · 9/10 · 2 August 2001]

Very entertaining, with an actual story line that made sense and even a surprise happy ending. Loved the dialogue too. Tom Bastounes is too cute!! Sorta a Bill Pullman type but with a great voice. Hope he does more.