Wagner vs Wagner

To celebrate the arrival of Wagner's Ring Cycle in Melbourne, we present two acclaimed but very different films and a lecture by Wagner specialist Dr David Kram exploring his life, his environment and the world his music evokes.

Lessons of Darkness Unclassified 18+
Fri 15 Nov, 2pm, Fri 22 Nov, 2pm
A stunning Werner Herzog triumph, Lessons of Darkness is a truly symphonic observation of the impact of the Gulf War – c1992. With expansive cinematography and a high Wagnerian score, this film is fascinating and frightening in equal parts.

Wagner and Me
Mon 18 Nov, 4pm, Wed 20 Nov, 2pm
Stephen Fry's idiosyncratic style has been applied to all manner of diverse subject matter, from British history to small town America. Here he turns his attention to one of the most controversial composers in music, Richard Wagner.
 
Underscoring: Richard Wagner's Influence on Film
Fri 15 Nov, 3.30 pm
Wagner's emotive 19th century music has accompanied many a signatory film scene. Join Dr David Kram, a Wagner specialist, as he explores Wagner's influence on film.