Plantiana Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.

Crwthod A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

Bluebell Alcock Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

jjnxn-1 As far as the script for this ode to classical music goes it includes absolutely nothing you haven't seen before but it's presented with that inimitable MGM sheen. Made during that period when Elizabeth Taylor was at the very apex of her beauty she captivates as she drips in jewels and beautiful gowns in dazzling Technicolor. She's hard to pull your eyes from but she is teamed with two men, Vittorio Gassman and John Ericson, who are almost as beautiful as she. Excepting Louis Calhern who is just right as Liz's bon vivant father, the supporting cast blends into the woodwork.It's the music that matters and makes this picture however. Some of it is absurdly staged, i.e. the spontaneous performance of an entire violin symphony in a small restaurant, but what can you expect from a romantic drama in the 50's. Mostly though the music is played full out in the proper settings and is glorious and well worth muddling through the somewhat turgid proceedings that surround it.

nerdomatic10-937-667230 Sadly, we all know that poor Liz didn't age very well, but in her prime she was second to none. She's absolutely luminous in this one, and she looks fantastic in every scene. Not a hair out of place, perfect makeup and a flawless wardrobe. Her character, Louise Durant, also seems to be pretty close to the real-life Elizabeth in some ways. There's an unintentionally funny scene where Louise blithely informs her father that she intends to divorce her new husband because he has become an inconvenience to her constant scheming. She also tries out for an exclusive music academy, but when her lifeless piano playing is revealed at her audition, she immediately and calmly switches tactics: "Professor, I want to be a student here. I will pay double what everyone else pays." Superb realization of her character and herself in just a few seconds.This is an Elizabeth Taylor star vehicle, so she expertly and effortlessly inhabits the center of all the action, but the supporting cast is fantastic as well. Louis Calhern, Vittorio Gassman, John Ericson, Michael Chekhov and many others turn in beautifully natural performances. Mr. Gassman and Mr. Ericson actually seem to be playing their instruments in a quite realistic fashion.Finally, last but certainly not least, the music itself is awe-inspiring. There's a LOT of gorgeous music frequently interspersed throughout the film, and it's tremendously impressive, to put it mildly. The soundtrack features Claudio Arrau on piano and Michael Rabin on violin, covering for Mr. Ericson and Mr. Gassman, respectively.IMO, Miss Taylor was the ultimate movie star and this film gives ample evidence of all her beauty and femininity and talent and skill as well as her surefooted acceptance of and expertise in every one of those qualities. A woman who was perfectly comfortable in her own skin from Day One. "Rhapsody" is an excellent, well-made film. You won't regret seeing it.

blitzebill I bumped into this film today, read a couple of reviews here and decided to see what the fuss was all about.Yes the music is central here as is the extreme devotion the characters dedicate to it. Obsession and drive/ambition to be the best in the world of the concert hall has and always will be the focus of the soloist.The violinist and pianist are also competing for the love of a woman who has no clue about that ambition and obsession. Taylor does a good job of it, and realizes finally near the end that she can be part of the musical life of one she loves.Love and music both win out at the end.This film also reminds me of "The Competition" with Richard Dreyfuss and Amy Irving. Again competing and winning in love and music prevails in that film as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the producer and director of "The Competition" did an intensive study of "Rhapsody" to put their film together.One other thing, both Gassman and Ericson were excellent in mimicking their performances on their respective instruments. It is not easy accomplishing that, and both Dreyfuss and Irving did as well in "The Competition," which I recommend as a follow-up to this film.

blanche-2 Rhapsody is all about beautiful music and beautiful Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor, in a short, stylish hairdo, is at the height of her beauty in this stunningly photographed color film. And she's not the only beauty. Vittorio Gassman plays one of her love interests. Just try keeping your eyes off of him. Handsome John Ericson is the other man in her life.All in all, it's candy for the eyes and ears, gorgeous to watch and to listen to with all that classical music. Elizabeth Taylor plays a role perfect for her, i.e., a spoiled, rich brat. She follows the man of her dreams, Gassman, a gifted violinist, to music school in Zurich, even though her own musical ability is pathetic and she'll have nothing to do except wait around for him to finish classes and rehearsals. When it's obvious that Gassman is totally immersed in his music, she begins to compete with the violin for his attention. All three leads are excellent, as is Louis Calhern as Taylor's father. Taylor wears beautiful outfits. I'm certain this film was intended to be a showcase for her beauty, and there it succeeds. Despite some harsh comments made on the board, I think this you just have to take it for what it was intended to be and no more. Very entertaining.