Robert Powell gives an excellent performance as Gustav Mahler in Ken Russell’s imaginative and fantastical biopic, which captures the essence of the Austrian composer’s musical genius with style. The film takes place on a train ride in which the aged Mahler and his wife Alma confront the reasons behind their dying love. Mixing flashbacks, thoughts, dreams and reality, Russell creates a poetic description of tormented genius as Mahler looks back on the events in his life which have shaped him, including his brother’s suicide, his rejection of Judaism, a turbulent marriage and the death of his young children.
Programmed in association with Manchester’s orchestras and The Bridgewater Hall.