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Carmen - A Hip Hopera (2001)
Front Cover Actor
Movie Details
Director Robert Townsend
Language English
Audience Rating PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Running Time 88 mins
Country USA
Color Color
Plot
Recasting Bizet's classic opera as a musical tale in the 'hood, Carmen: A Hip Hopera proves that the plot's not the thing. By retaining the story but jettisoning Bizet's individual musical numbers that propel the tragedy to its inevitable conclusion, this Carmen founders on familiarity: it's just another soap opera about two lovers whose tryst proves fatal. Occasionally, the music quotes Bizet's famous themes, but most of the rapping and singing sound interchangeable. What makes this Carmen worth seeing, however, is the scintillating performance of Beyoncé Knowles (of the trio Destiny's Child) in the lead role. From her first entrance in a dazzling red gown, Knowles shows off a vibrant, magnetic personality; the camera loves her, as her group's many music videos have shown, but they only hint at how impressively she holds the screen. Can she act? The jury's still out, but Carmen: A Hip Hopera--however disappointing this hybrid is in most ways--showcases a compelling movie-star presence. --Kevin Filipski
Personal Details
Seen It Yes
Index 1033
Collection Status In Collection
Links Amazon US
Product Details
Format DVD
Region Region 1
Screen Ratio 1.85:1
794043556029
Release Date 8/20/2002
Subtitles English
Audio Tracks English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Nr of Disks/Tapes 1