La Finta Giardiniera  (2006)

Theatrical Release Information:
La Finta Giardiniera

Famed German film director Dorris Dorrie, the creator of such classics as Men (1985) and Naked (2002) (and onetime protégé of Lord David Puttnam) turned to stage work to mount and helm this theatrical production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 1775 opera La finta giardiniera (AKA The Pretend Gardener) at the Saltzburger Festspiele. Written by the composer at age 18, the farce unfolds in 18th century Lagonero, against the background of a lovers' quarrel conducted between Violante and her onetime paramour, Count Belfiore - who once put an end to the relationship by stabbing her; Belfiore is now engaged to the lady Arminda. In an effort to reconcile with Belfiore, Violante slips into the guise of Sandrina, a gardener, and confronts her former lover, but this arouses the ire of Arminda - who promptly kidnaps Violante. The work ends in a reconcilation between the estranged lovers. The Dorrie production stars Alexandra Reinprecht, John Graham-Hall, John Mark Ainsley and Véronique Gens, and features musical accompaniment by the Mozarteum Orchester under the baton of Ivor Bolton. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide