This film, though good in parts and with a fascinating performance by Robert Powell, is too stylised and idiosyncratic to be looked on as a true representation of Mahler's life and works. Rather it should be seen as an essay on Ken Russell's view of his inner struggles, and particularly his conversion to Catholicism. Too much of the dialogue and camera-work is stilted, and it has the look of a film on a budget, using locations in the lake district and Derbyshire (Chatsworth House) to represent Austria. This last comment may seem nit-picking, but using well known locations that many know are not where they are supposed to be can be distracting. Georgina Hale didn't really convince as Alma for me, a strong, stunning and seductive woman that Hale can't quite portray.
Given the fascination of Mahler (and a ready made soundtrack of stunning music!) its perhaps time filmmakers had another go at portraying his life, works and tragic death. The perfect actor for the lead role - Robert Powell (who can forget that silhouette of Powell's face on the train, looking exactly like famous photos of Mahler himself?) - is perhaps too old now, though he could portray him in his later years. It would be one of those bio-pics of people I had always been intrigued to see on film (others include Alexander the Great, Howard Hughes, Hitler - all who have been portrayed recently).
Given the fascination of Mahler (and a ready made soundtrack of stunning music!) its perhaps time filmmakers had another go at portraying his life, works and tragic death. The perfect actor for the lead role - Robert Powell (who can forget that silhouette of Powell's face on the train, looking exactly like famous photos of Mahler himself?) - is perhaps too old now, though he could portray him in his later years. It would be one of those bio-pics of people I had always been intrigued to see on film (others include Alexander the Great, Howard Hughes, Hitler - all who have been portrayed recently).