The New Met: Countdown to Curtain

About This Movie

The New Met: Countdown to Curtain offers a fascinating glimpse into the chaos and creativity of opera staging. You can feel the tension in the air as Franco Zeffirelli and Rudolph Bing navigate through multiple setbacks during rehearsals. The atmosphere is charged, especially when Marc Chagall visits, and you can see his frustration as his murals aren’t displayed as intended. Leontyne Price shines brightly, her presence commanding as she prepares for her role. The pacing captures both the urgency and the artistry of the operatic world, making it a unique document of a pivotal moment in opera history, a blend of creative struggle and artistic ambition.

This documentary has had limited releases over the years, making it somewhat sought-after among collectors. Its initial broadcast was more of a unique event than a typical feature, so finding it on physical media can be tricky. It often draws interest for its unfiltered look at the behind-the-scenes processes of the Metropolitan Opera, appealing to both opera enthusiasts and documentary collectors.