Move over Natalie Portman — there’s a new “Swan” coming to movie theaters this November.
The Paris Opera’s production of “Swan Lake” will come to movie theaters across the world on November 10 — but will screen in IMAX theaters November 8, because this is the first ballet ever filmed for IMAX.
The goal is to bring audiences as close to the dancers as possible as they navigate the classic ballet (this production uses the Rudolf Nureyev choreography). According to press notes, filming took four days, including two days without an audience, allowing the cameras to join the dancers onstage at the Paris Opera in an additional pas de deux. And for true balletomanes, this “Swan Lake” also uses next-generation IMAX precision sound.
Directed by Isabelle Julien, the “Swan Lake” cast includes Sae Eun Park as Odette/Odile, Paul Marque as Prince Siegfried, Pablo Legasa as Rothbart, and Paris Opera Corps de Ballet. Vello Pähn conducts the Paris Opera Orchestra. The film is produced by Pathé Live and Paris Opera, with distribution by Pathé Live.
Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet and its iconic score have been used repeatedly in films, from utilizing it for the opening credits of Universal’s “Dracula” in 1931 (then again for “The Mummy” in 1932) to Barbra Streisand spoofing it as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” and an adult Billy dancing in “Swan Lake” in “Billy Elliott.” And it served as the framework for Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan,” starring Natalie Portman as a ballerina slowly crumbling from the pressure.
The score is immediately recognizable; the plot may be less so for non-ballet lovers. As the press release noted, “During his birthday celebrations, Prince Siegfried must choose a bride. Trying to escape reality, he dreams of a perfect love. His tutor tries to bring him down to Earth and reminds him of his duties. During a dreamlike getaway, the prince meets Odette, a princess who has been transformed into a swan by the powerful sorcerer Rothbart. Only true love can break the spell. Captivated, Siegfried promises Odette he’ll save her and invites her to his party. To trap the prince, the sorcerer sends his daughter Odile, disguised as Odette, to seduce him.”
Pathé Live will release “Swan Lake” November 8 in IMAX theaters and November 10 in theaters worldwide.
