Alexander Korda who was running British Lion Studios was anxious to have Moira Shearer the star of The Red Shoes appear in another film. This gave the opening that Powell and Pressburger were looking for to stage a version of Jacques Offenbach's opera The Tales of Hoffmann as an exotic dance extravaganza. Be careful what you ask for.
The Tales of Hoffmann is an amazing infuriating film. The film's production design and cinematography are outstanding. The cast is extremely well chosen along with Moira Shearer, Robert Helpmann a dancer and choreographer, Léonide Massine a dancer and also a choreograher as well and Ludmilla Tchérina a prima ballerina appear in the film. Sir Thomas Beecham, conducted the score which was prerecorded prior to filming.
So what's the problem. Well watching the film is an exhausting experience. The film is so drenched in overwhelming color design and movement after a while it begins to get to be a bit to much for this viewer anyway.
It's amazing that Powell and Pressburger got away with making this film as the commercial potential for this film was not good. Alexander Korda must have known he did not have another film of The Red Shoes on his hands.
For an exercise in extreme style this film is certainly something to look at.
Written byE.T.A Hoffman, Jules Barbier, Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger and Dennis Arundell. The running time is 133 minutes.
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