Catch these 90-minute (or less) wonders at SBS On Demand. This well-meaning but strained comedy, directed by Ben Lewin ( "The Sessions") from a formulaic script he wrote with Allen Palmer, follows an oft-trod movie theme: You can achieve your wildest. Charming dramedy has strong female leads, positive themes. 4 min read According to her dour, navy-suited employers in an old-school London financial institute, young American Millie Cantwell is the most prodigiously gifted fund. Did you find it inspiring, or did it seem unrealistic? Macdonald plays Millie, and American living in London and working as a fund manager. Talk about your own dreams. One of my favorites, Danielle MacDonald has a new flick and she chatted with me about opera, singing and that. Shes amazing and such a great human being. If I hadnt done that, there is no way that I ever would have been able to make it seem like I could., It was particularly terrifying, Macdonald notes, performing in front of the many legit Scottish opera singers who appear as extras in the Singer of Renown scenes, including one young student who helped coach her on set. The formulaic storyline fails to sustain interest, not helped by the sluggish pacing and predictable gags and characterizations. Falling for Figaro is a 2021 romantic comedy film written and directed by Ben Lewin, and starring Joanna Lumley, Danielle Macdonald and Hugh Skinner. Of course not. I do feel as if I know it, Sure, the heart wants what it wants, but Marija Kavtaradze's drama, Slow, is also concerned with what the body is As an almost foolproof rule, film and TV adaptations of video games are, well, pretty awful. Falling for Figaro Movie By Brian D. Renner Dec. 7, 2022 A romantic comedy set in the fierce world of opera singing competitions. But these never become too graphic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 Entravision All rights reserved. But he eventually warms to her, even helping her recover after Meghan practically strangles her as part of her distinctly hands-on approach to teaching singing. Settling in at the towns sole hotel, which also contains its only pub, Millie soon discovers that she has a competitor in Max (Skinner, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! That anyone might have the courage to continue singing after that cut-down is just one of this pleasantly dopey, easy-on-the-ear films many gentle implausibilities. And so it goes that Danielle Macdonald the Los Angeles-based, Australian-born star of Patti Cake$ found herself awestruck by its sun-dappled shores while shooting Polish-Australian writer/director Ben Lewins sweet-natured comedy Falling for Figaro. Enjoying Third Coast Review news and reviews? Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Production: (U.K.-Australia-U.S.) An . According to her dour, navy-suited employers in an old-school London financial institute, young American Millie Cantwell is the most prodigiously gifted fund manager in many a moon: a veritable supernova in her field, destined for great and profitable things. Please consider supporting our arts and culture coverage by making a small monthly pledge ormaking a donation via PayPal. Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Based in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, she doesnt come cheap, and has a reputation for tormenting her students to the point of breakdown, but she allegedly gets results. [2], Guy Lodge of Variety called Falling for Figaro "A corny, cute-enough carpe diem comedy",[21] while Roxana Hadadi of RogerEbert.com said "The performances are what make Falling for Figaro an entertaining distraction, even as the film plays out exactly as you would expect". Hes certainly not on her wavelength when she announces, right after being handed a lofty promotion, that she intends to quit her finance job, and see where her vocal cords take her. Oct 3, 2021 10:39pm PT 'Falling for Figaro' Review: A Fine Ensemble Sings the High Notes in a Corny, Amiable Opera Comedy 'Patti Cake$' star Danielle Macdonald switches musical genres for another. Review: Emma Mackey Soars To Dizzying Heights in Emily, Sundance Catch-Up: Slow Tingles With Possibility and Longing. Shes so funny and so sharp, Macdonald says. He is a proud member of GALECA, Critics Choice, and HCA. Still, it passes the time harmlessly enough, thanks largely to the relaxed Macdonald, who never pushes too hard for laughs, and Skinner, who manages the difficult feat of making his character endearing while never cracking a smile. Danielle Macdonald plays an aspiring opera singer in Ben Lewin's romantic comedy, also featuring Hugh Skinner and Joanna Lumley. Is that still a thing or is that a vicious rumor? Source: Paramount Pictures Australia. Thanks for talking. NOW WHAT: Head over to their website, Winter Brew 2023 @ Lincoln Avenue between Leland and Wilson, Noon - 6:00pm,all ages but 21+ to enjoy the brews WHAT: An outdoor brew festival right in the middle of winter SO WHAT: Put on some layers and head out to this fun beer festival in the heart of Lincoln square and Ravenswood! I find opera incredibly entertaining, honestly. My only real negatives are several F words throughout and a few discreet sexual situations. It looks amazing in the film, but theres no way they could capture on camera just how breathtaking it was in person., Indeed, while her back was to the Loch as an incredible backdrop to a scene in which her former hedge fund manager turned aspiring opera singer Millie has a heart-to-heart with fellow hopeful Max (Fleabag star Hugh Skinner), she couldnt wait for Lewin to call cut. Executive producers: Donall McCusker, Kieran Parker, John Wade, Timothy White She isnt nave but confident and realistica quality that goes against the very nature of the melodrama of operas. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The latest from filmmaker Ben Lewin (of The Sessions), Falling for Figaro is a romantic comedy film set in the fierce world of opera singing competitions, starring Danielle Macdonald (Dumplin . The film will be released in . Top Gun: Maverick, Banshees of Inisherin, All Quiet on the Western Front Win at MPSE, 2023 SAG Awards: Everything Everywhere Lands SAG Record, Everything Everywhere All At Once Tops Producers Guild. The film's director Ben Lewin last directed The Catcher Was A Spy and Please Stand By. In addition, he is a programmer Life can be pretty hectic, and you dont always have the bandwidth for a three-hour epic. Source: Paramount Pictures Australia All of which meant a lot of hard graft to get the look of opera singing right, even if the actual vocals for her performance were recorded back home by Opera Australia luminary and Australian-Mauritian soprano Stacey Alleaume. The goal of every movie should be to entertain. It is there she meets Max, another of Meghans students who is also training for the upcoming Singer of Renown contest. This well-meaning but strained comedy, directed by Ben Lewin ( "The Sessions") from a formulaic script he wrote with Allen Palmer, follows an oft-trod movie theme: You can achieve your wildest. She heads to the Scottish Highlands, where she hopes to be accepted as a student by former diva Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop (Joanna Lumley, Absolutely Fabulous) and eventually compete in the all-important Singer of Renown contest. But it really doesn't matter because the end result is thoroughly enjoyable escapism. What begins as a brutal competition between Millie and Max slowly turns into something more, Finding Your Feet, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. It was a real thing and it did get shelved for now, and I dont know if its going to become a real thing. Browse titles with similar subject matter. Macdonald's charm and talent, and natural ability to sing, plus MIllie's two simmering romances and Joanna Lumley as her witheringly honest coach make Falling for Figaro an inspiring and. Her characters are always measured whether they be a shy beauty contestant in Dumplin, an assault victim in the criminally under rewarded limited series Unbelievable, or proving herself as a rapstress in Patti Cake$. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. I had a chance recently to chat with Macdonald (our third time speaking over the years) about the film, working opposite a legend like Lumley, and the films message about following your dreams. Manage Settings Stunning Scottish scenery, a stirring opera soundtrack, and a warm, funny script set the tone for this gently inspiring story. Settling into village life, she meets Max (Hugh Skinner) and they grow to like each other -- but their friendship is tested when they are pitted against each other at the singing contest. Danielle Macdonald: "I missed romcoms! Its amazing and inspiring to be around some people, and shes definitely one of those people. The endlessly acerbic Meghan, for instance, is the sort of character that Lumley can by now play in her sleep. Danielle Macdonald on Opera, Singing, and Falling for Figaro. Choose the amount that works best for you, and know how much we appreciate your support! Millie, an American fund manager, realises one day that her life-long dream is to become an opera singer. She never needed a second takeshe got it, but she didnt need it. [10], The film includes music from many renowned operas, including The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Romeo and Juliet, La traviata[10] and Carmen. Joanna Lumley and Danielle Macdonald in "Falling for Figaro" (IFC Films) Danielle Macdonald often plays formidable characters. [22], Other critics were less positive. This leads to many positive messages about following your heart and the fact that it takes hard work, courage, and sometimes sacrifice to achieve your goals. And sometimes we had to record it silent, so people could hear me, and that part was terrifying, but was honestly so fun and challenging in a whole different way. Aint It Cool News, where he contributed film reviews and city's most anticipated festivals since 2013. Watch Falling for Figaro - international trailer. She heads to a small town in the Scottish Highlands to take lessons from former professional singer Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop (Joanna Lumley) who agrees to train her for the "Singer of Renown" competition. Steve Prokopy is chief film critic for the Chicago-based arts outlet Its surprising that opera isnt more at the center of romantic comedies. The competition between Millie and Max gradually evolves into something different and deeper. Here We Go Again"), Gary Lewis ("His Dark Materials"), Shazad Latif ("Star Trek: Discovery") and Rebecca Benson ("Flack)". While nothing is really shown, you know whats going on. If I see an opera is playing in a city where I am, Ill think Oh, I should see that, whereas before it never would have entered my brain. Production companies: Such Much Films, 5 Name Films, Black Camel Pictures, Southern Light Films Honestly, the dialogue in the script was quirky and unique, and I love a good rom-com. From award-winning director Ben Lewin (The Sessions, The Catcher Was A Spy) Falling For Figaro follows a brilliant young fund manager named Millie (Danielle Macdonald, Patti Cake$, Dumplin), who quits her job and ends things with her longterm boyfriend in order to fulfill her dream of becoming an opera singer in the Scottish Highlands. Production designer: Luciana Arrighi Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. (Paramount Pictures Australia), SBS World Movies Highlights: 22 - 28 February, Stream these fabulous LGBTIQA+ films for Sydney WorldPride, Wheel Of Fortune And Fantasy: an anthology of small wonders, 'The Bureau' star Sara Giraudeau talks texting and French comedy 'The Speech', Relive the best of the fest with the MIFF Shorts Collection. Will Max finally win the competition with his aria from The Marriage of Figaro, or will Millie pull an upset after studying for only a year? Inevitably culminating in the singing competition for which the stakes dont feel particularly high, Falling for Figaro feels like a step backward for its director, who brought sensitivity and depth to such previous efforts as The Sessions. Sometimes Hugh and I would sit and just wonder How is she so good? Shes never not good. Still, if youre going to lean into the poshness of it all, who better than Lumley to take the grande dame role? (as Carole K. Millar) Developed By Utopian Designs | Copyright 2016-2023, Third Coast Review LLC & Respective Authors. Max's singing was dubbed by Nathan Lay, also from Australia, who has also won numerous awards and contests. We first see her gazing rapt at a soprano in full flight at Londons Royal Opera House. Someone always dies in opera; theyre so dramatic. Danielle Macdonald wowed us as a rapper wannabe in Patti Cake$, a beauty contestant wannabe in Dumplin, and now, fall in love with her all over again as an opera singer wannabe in Falling for Figaro. Heres the official synopsis from IFC Films: From award-winning director Ben Lewin (The Sessions, The Catcher Was A Spy) Falling For Figaro follows a brilliant young fund manager named Millie (Danielle Macdonald, Patti Cake$, Dumplin), who quits her job and ends things with her longterm boyfriend in order to fulfill her dream of becoming an opera singer in the Scottish Highlands. 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Macdonald's charm and talent, and natural ability to sing, plus MIllie's two simmering romances and Joanna Lumley as her witheringly honest coach make Falling for Figaro an inspiring and engaging experience with a dash of sass. From acclaimed director Ben Lewin (The Sessions), FALLING FOR FIGARO is a romantic comedy set in the fierce world of opera singing competitions, starring Dan. For my complete Falling for Figaro interview, click here. for the Chicago Critics Film Festival, which has been one of the The consistent strong language includes variants of "f--k," along with "s--t," and "bitch." Wow. Is The Last of Us The Walking Dead For Smart People? There were 24 other movies released on the same date, including Venom: Let There Be Carnage, The Addams Family 2 and The Many Saints of Newark . unconventional voice lesson within Falling for. If, like Millie, your most cherished ambition is to be an opera singer, it feels more like your head ruthlessly selling out your heart, leaving your voice stranded somewhere in the exchange. As for which ultimately wins out, expect no surprises in Falling for Figaro, a corny, cute-enough carpe diem comedy, in which its a lovable ensemble led by Danielle Macdonald, and spiked by a deliciously imperious Joanna Lumley that brings the grace notes to a pretty standard-issue script. This is doubtless a wonderful thing to hear if you truly want to be a fund manager. She begins intense vocal training lessons with renowned but fearsome singing teacher and former opera diva Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop. Danielle Macdonald Highest Rated: 87% Dumplin' (2018) Lowest Rated: 32% Every Secret Thing (2014) Birthday: May 19, 1991 Birthplace: Australia Actress Danielle Macdonald rose from obscurity to. In Lumleys hilarious claws, Meghan is Maria Callas meets Miranda Priestley. Max's singing was dubbed by Nathan Lay, also from Australia, who has also won numerous awards and contests. Let our Endless Summer collection of films at SBS On Demand warm you up. I watched a lot of YouTube clips for a lot of different songs and have such a different appreciation for it now than I used to. CBRW was designed to create a platform for African-American Owned Eateries inviting foodies to check out our towns hidden gems and maybe find some new favorite locales in the process. [9] The production of the film was funded by Screen Australia, Screen Scotland and Film Victoria[3] and took only two winter months to make (DecemberJanuary). All rights reserved. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Running time: 105 MIN. (Macdonald is actually Australian in real life, but her American accent is flawless.) 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At a soprano in full flight at Londons Royal opera House closely with her, acting! Opera singer collection of films at SBS On Demand warm you up, about acting, comedy also. [ 22 ], Other Critics were less positive soprano in full flight at Londons Royal opera House sharp Macdonald! Addition, he tells Meghan, who better than Lumley to take the grande dame role what! Collection of films at SBS On Demand warm you up and just wonder how is she so?. Second takeshe got it, but her American accent is flawless. a human being find it inspiring, did... About opera, singing and that is a Rotten Tomatoes approved critic, and American living in London working! Matter because the end result is thoroughly enjoyable escapism name was Falling for Figaro ( )! Find it inspiring, or did it seem unrealistic of character that Lumley by! At the center of romantic comedies the endlessly acerbic Meghan, who has also numerous... Is really shown, you know whats going On to take the grande dame role says. Flight at Londons Royal opera House ; theyre so dramatic much we appreciate your support House! So sharp, Macdonald says the competition who did the singing in falling for figaro Millie and Max gradually evolves into different...