Sadly, we all know that poor Liz didn't age very well, but in her prime she was second to none. She's absolutely luminous in this one, and she looks fantastic in every scene. Not a hair out of place, perfect makeup and a flawless wardrobe. Her character, Louise Durant, also seems to be pretty close to the real-life Elizabeth in some ways. There's an unintentionally funny scene where Louise blithely informs her father that she intends to divorce her new husband because he has become an inconvenience to her constant scheming. She also tries out for an exclusive music academy, but when her lifeless piano playing is revealed at her audition, she immediately and calmly switches tactics: "Professor, I want to be a student here. I will pay double what everyone else pays." Superb realization of her character and herself in just a few seconds.
This is an Elizabeth Taylor star vehicle, so she expertly and effortlessly inhabits the center of all the action, but the supporting cast is fantastic as well. Louis Calhern, Vittorio Gassman, John Ericson, Michael Chekhov and many others turn in beautifully natural performances. Mr. Gassman and Mr. Ericson actually seem to be playing their instruments in a quite realistic fashion.
Finally, last but certainly not least, the music itself is awe-inspiring. There's a LOT of gorgeous music frequently interspersed throughout the film, and it's tremendously impressive, to put it mildly. The soundtrack features Claudio Arrau on piano and Michael Rabin on violin, covering for Mr. Ericson and Mr. Gassman, respectively.
IMO, Miss Taylor was the ultimate movie star and this film gives ample evidence of all her beauty and femininity and talent and skill as well as her surefooted acceptance of and expertise in every one of those qualities. A woman who was perfectly comfortable in her own skin from Day One. "Rhapsody" is an excellent, well-made film. You won't regret seeing it.
This is an Elizabeth Taylor star vehicle, so she expertly and effortlessly inhabits the center of all the action, but the supporting cast is fantastic as well. Louis Calhern, Vittorio Gassman, John Ericson, Michael Chekhov and many others turn in beautifully natural performances. Mr. Gassman and Mr. Ericson actually seem to be playing their instruments in a quite realistic fashion.
Finally, last but certainly not least, the music itself is awe-inspiring. There's a LOT of gorgeous music frequently interspersed throughout the film, and it's tremendously impressive, to put it mildly. The soundtrack features Claudio Arrau on piano and Michael Rabin on violin, covering for Mr. Ericson and Mr. Gassman, respectively.
IMO, Miss Taylor was the ultimate movie star and this film gives ample evidence of all her beauty and femininity and talent and skill as well as her surefooted acceptance of and expertise in every one of those qualities. A woman who was perfectly comfortable in her own skin from Day One. "Rhapsody" is an excellent, well-made film. You won't regret seeing it.