Wagner: Das Rheingold

Movie
TitleWagner: Das Rheingold
User score

6.4

Release dateAug 12, 1980
GenreMusic
DirectorBrian Large
Production countryGermany
Production companiesUnitel Classics, Deutsche Grammophon
Run time143 min.

This is a beautifully conducted and thoughtfully staged performance of the first opera (the prologue) in Wagner's Ring Cycle. As soon as the clouds of mist have dissipated, while the daring, long-held opening chord is still reverberating, the screen clears to show not only the River Rhine and the three maidens (dressed like prostitutes in this production) assigned to guard the gold hidden there. It also shows an enormous dam (not mentioned in Wagner's text). This is the underwater base of a hydroelectric plant, and its presence tells us two things immediately: that this production takes the story out of the vaguely medieval fantasy world in which Wagner had placed it, and that a basic theme of the four-opera cycle would be power. Alberich, the Nibelung, is willing to renounce the love of women, after stealing the gold from the Rhine, to become the ruler of the world. Another basic theme is greed.

Videos

Rheingold Lugt Schwestern

May 27, 2013

Actors

See more

Similar films

Die Geierwally

6.8

Main Krishna Hoon

6.6

Star

6.3

Star

5.9

China Is Still Far

10

Fun

5.7

I'm All Yours

5.4

Home Alone Mice

5.4

Movie Tracker

Stay up to date with all your favorite movies and TV shows, create personalized watchlists and discover new experiences.

Copyright © 2024 Movie Tracker. All rights reserved.

Data source for all movies themoviedb.org