Watch Don Giovanni

Don Giovanni is a 1979 movie based on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera, directed by Joseph Losey. The opera tells the tale of the infamous womanizer Don Giovanni, who seduces and betrays his lovers. The film takes place in 18th-century Spain and begins with the Don Giovanni character seducing the daughter of the Commendatore, a nobleman. After being caught, Giovanni kills the Commendatore in a duel, setting off a chain of events that ultimately leads to his downfall.

Ruggero Raimondi stars as the titular Don Giovanni, his portrayal of the character is both charismatic and deplorable. His performance captures the essence of the character's dark and complex nature, making the audience simultaneously admire and loathe him.

John Macurdy portrays Leporello, Don Giovanni's loyal servant. Macurdy delivers a remarkable performance, conveying the character's many dimensions with ease. He provides a delightful contrast to Raimondi's Don Giovanni, who treats him terribly despite his unflinching loyalty.

Edda Moser plays Donna Anna, the daughter of the Commendatore. Her performance is nothing short of extraordinary, as she portrays her character's grief and anger at losing her father, and her desire for revenge against Don Giovanni for his role in his death.

The rest of the cast is equally impressive, especially Kiri Te Kanawa, who plays Donna Elvira, one of Don Giovanni's spurned lovers. She delivers a powerful performance that is both passionate and heartfelt.

Joseph Losey's direction is masterful, as he creates and maintains a consistently dark and ominous atmosphere throughout the film. The set and costume designs are visually stunning, perfectly capturing the opulence and grandeur of 18th-century Spain.

The music, of course, is the heart of the film. Mozart's compositions provide the perfect backdrop for the drama unfolding on screen. The film retains much of the original opera's music, with only slight modifications to the libretto.

Overall, Don Giovanni is a visually stunning and dramatic adaptation of Mozart's classic opera. Raimondi's performance as Don Giovanni is brilliant, and Macurdy's Leporello provides an excellent foil to his character. Moser and Te Kanawa also deliver powerful performances, making the film an unforgettable experience for lovers of opera, drama, and cinema.