The Sound of Music (1965)
Musicals can indeed be cinematic.
Presentation:
If Sergio Leone shot a musical, this is what it would probably look like. This 1965 recolored musical epic looks incredible and has some of the most iconic soundtracks. Even if you haven’t watched it, you’ll likely recognize a lot of the musical numbers. Music is memorable and cinematography is arrestingly gorgeous from the very first aerial shots. European architecture looks beautiful and the grassy mountain tops evoke a sense of freedom. However ultimately found myself still preferring musicals like Mary Poppins over this one. It’s a family musical with adult themes of Nazis that ends up feeling a bit convolutedly jumbled together. The pieces fit, but I think simpler films work better in this genre.
Conclusion:
Like most cinematic masterpieces, you watch thinking it’s an incredible film. But what makes a great film is whether you forget about it over time. This film has memorable cinematography and music, but it didn’t make me want to hum or sing it. Perhaps it’s because each musical number is recycled about 2-3 variations and I actually got sick of some of them. The choreography is okay, not as dazzling and mostly static but what do I know? I don’t like musicals much at all really, but this one is still worth the watch for it’s epic scenery.
Recommendations
Musicals can indeed be cinematic.