Porgy and Bess (1993)
by Claire J Rottenberg
The original "Porgy and Bess" movie, released in
1959, turned George and Ira Gershwin's opera into a
traditional movie musical. The Gershwin estate was so
dissatisfied with the film that they pulled it from
circulation. Fortunately, for fans of Gershwin and
"Porgy and Bess," a DVD of the Glyndebourne Opera
company's 1993 performance of the opera is now
available.
The
Glyndebourne production is
a videotaped stage version that was actually taped
in a television studio. This excellent production
stayed faithful to the Gershwin's original opera,
using almost the complete score and not changing
any of the dialogue. It was originally broadcast
on both British (BBC) and US (PBS)
television.
"Porgy
and Bess" is
clearly an adult story with its sub-themes of drug
addiction, sex and violence. The Glyndebourne
production begins with contrasting scenes of
working life in Catfish Row and drug use and
trafficking in a seamy bar, with jazz music played
in the background. It then moves to choral music
as people high on heroin and alcohol dance in a
smoky, steamy bar. The film then switches to a
totally different scene - a quiet, settling
outdoor scene with a mother singing the beautiful
"Summertime" to her baby. These opening scenes
help set the stage for the story of "Porgy and
Bess," which shows the complexities and
difficulties of life.
The score of "Porgy and Bess" is filled with
beautiful songs that range from the operatic,
"Summertime" and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," to
Gospel-type numbers, like "Oh Lord, I'm On My Way,"
to more upbeat, jazz type songs, such as "I Got
Plenty O' Nuttin'." Some of the scenes in the
Glyndebourne production of "Porgy and Bess" resemble
traditional musical theater more than they do an
opera. This is particularly true of "It Ain't
Necessarily So" and Sportin' LIfe's last number,
"There's a Boat That's Leaving Soon for New
York."
If you want to view an excellent movie musical/opera
that is filled with beautiful music and has
outstanding acting and a powerful storyline, rent or
buy a copy of the Glyndebourne production of George
and Ira Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." You won't be
disappointed.