Cert U
129 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild violence
Apparently both Martin Scorsese and George A. Romero were prompted to become movie-makers by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's The Tales Of Hoffmann.
I can see why.
It is a sumptuous picture, using a myriad of cinematic devices along its intriguing route.
However, I cannot say I a big fan of opera, largely because I cannot always understand the dialogue.
I found this frustrating as I tried to follow the love travails of the poet Hoffman (Robert Rounseville).
The latter tells his tale in the bar of a theatre where the subject (Moira Shearer) of his latest ardour is dancing.
Hoffmann recounts exotic stories of encounters with three women (Shearer, Ludmilla Tcherina and Ann Ayars).
Each time, a different incarnation of the devil, played on each occasion by Robert Helpmann, attempts to thwart him.
Helpmann grabbed my attention the most - his portrayals in this 1951 film setting the bar for horror films of the 1960s and 70s.
The Tales Of Hoffman is a feast for those into opera and ballet. The performances would have graced any theatre.
But while I understand its obvious merits, it will not resonate as a classic with me.
George A. Romero: "The movie which really made me want to make movies was... Tales Of Hoffmann. It is a fantasy film which is almost a horror film."
Reasons to watch: Its art. The construction. Its singing.
Reasons to avoid: If you are not into opera.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7/10