Mahler
United Kingdom • 1974
Director
Synopsis
Director Ken Russell revisits one of his favorite motifs—the lives of legendary composers—in this wildly iconoclastic portrait of Austro-Bohemian symphonist Gustav Mahler. While traveling on a train to Vienna, the ailing composer (Robert Powell) recalls scenes from his life and failing marriage to Alma Mahler (Georgina Hale)—realized by Russell in at once staggeringly beautiful and audaciously surreal tableaux that provide a delirious visual counterpoint to Mahler’s overpowering music.
Synopsis
Director Ken Russell revisits one of his favorite motifs—the lives of legendary composers—in this wildly iconoclastic portrait of Austro-Bohemian symphonist Gustav Mahler. While traveling on a train to Vienna, the ailing composer (Robert Powell) recalls scenes from his life and failing marriage to Alma Mahler (Georgina Hale)—realized by Russell in at once staggeringly beautiful and audaciously surreal tableaux that provide a delirious visual counterpoint to Mahler’s overpowering music.
Credits
Crew
Cast
Robert Powellas Gustav Mahler
Georgina Haleas Alma Mahler
Lee Montagueas Bernhard Mahler
Miriam Karlinas Aunt Rosa
Rosalie Crutchleyas Marie Mahler