It's 19th century Tsarist Russia. Piano teacher Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky (Richard Chamberlain) struggles against his homosexuality by marrying Antonina Miliukova (Glenda Jackson) whom he can never truly satisfy.
It's a lavish garish production taking advantage of the London Symphony Orchestra. It's also a rambling affair of long takes and obscure style. Sometimes it's masterful but more often than not, it is over-the-top crazy. The camera moves are all over the place with some very close up work. The music is a constant which gives a surreal dreamlike quality to the viewing. Chamberlain and Jackson have some crazy ridiculous attempted sex scenes. It's all over the top and considering Chamberlain's own secret homosexuality, it's all very poignant camp surrealism. They both leave it all on the screen. As with most biopics, I leave its authenticity to somebody more qualified although I don't accuracy is the main objective in this movie. I do have to admit that I have trouble getting through the whole two hours straight. It's a lot outlandish set pieces to endure.
It's a lavish garish production taking advantage of the London Symphony Orchestra. It's also a rambling affair of long takes and obscure style. Sometimes it's masterful but more often than not, it is over-the-top crazy. The camera moves are all over the place with some very close up work. The music is a constant which gives a surreal dreamlike quality to the viewing. Chamberlain and Jackson have some crazy ridiculous attempted sex scenes. It's all over the top and considering Chamberlain's own secret homosexuality, it's all very poignant camp surrealism. They both leave it all on the screen. As with most biopics, I leave its authenticity to somebody more qualified although I don't accuracy is the main objective in this movie. I do have to admit that I have trouble getting through the whole two hours straight. It's a lot outlandish set pieces to endure.