It must be stated that even if you have no knowledge or interest in the goings on of the Opera world, Pavarotti is still an enthralling documentary. The broad strokes of his story are fascinating and his appeal universal. It also helps having a populist director like Ron Howard behind the film.
Hearing that amazing voice in full flight easily transcends one’s thoughts about the Opera. What an instrument he had! And through osmosis the melody of many of the songs used in the film will be familiar. Even if you know nothing about the over-the-top histrionics that are stock in trade of Opera, you can still feel the emotion.
There are moments of high drama like The Three Tenors trying to outdo each other during their first appearance together and his famous performance in front of Lady Di in the rain. There are also humanistic moments, like Bono speaking of Pavarotti making a consigliere of his Italian housemaid during his attempts to get Bono to write him a song.
Howard succeeds in giving the maestro his due. He does gloss over many of the more salient details, like his diva antics and womanising ways. They are mentioned in passing but not focused on. Going light on those subjects is probably what allowed Howard such thorough access to the family archives. It is this intimacy of material that is most transformative.
Rob Hudson
www.madmanfilms.com.au
