Carmen Jones

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Starring: Harry Belafonte
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Directed By: Otto Preminger
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 2002-01-22
Running Time: 105 minutes
Powered by Georges Bizet's grand music and Oscar Hammerstein II's magnificent lyrics, this Americanized all-black version of the classic opera Carmen is "a dynamic superb show" with a positively "incandescent Carmen." (Newsweek) OscarÂ(r) -nominee Dorothy Dandridge stars in the title role, a passionate, sexy creature who lures Joe (Harry Belafonte), a handsome soldier, away from his sweetheart (Olga James). Following a fatal brawl with his sergeant, Joe deserts his regiment with the sultry femme fatale. But Carmen soon tires of him and takes up with a heavyweight prize-fighter (Joe Adams). Triggering Joe's tragic revenge. Helping to set the screen on fire are Pearl Bailey and Diahann Carroll, part of the "sensational troupe" that makes this jubilant musical film "hard to beat."

An original overwhelming adaptation!
More than a classic, Bizet's Carmen has become a modern myth and has literally surpassed the limits of the Opera to acquire an own life.

"Carmen Jones" was a daring challenge for Otto Preminger. Even so, he bet and won with that classic adaptation. For Dorothy Dandridge meant a nomination for an Academy Award and for Harry Belafonte starring the jealous marine.

Marylyn Horne dubbed to Dorothy. A must see.

A powerful display of Dandrige's appeal...
Dorothy Dandrige's roles went beyond that of sex symbol to being a parody of female sexuality... Carmen Jones is a powerful display of her appeal...

Based on Bizet's operatic masterpiece, Otto Preminger's film is the story of a GI about to go to flying school (Harry Belafonte), a noble young man who loves the cigarette-maker Carmen very dearly...

Filled with passionate songs and a first-rate supporting cast, the movie is filled with exciting musical numbers that are necessary to the film... But as impeccable and skillful the supporting cast is, this is Dandrige's magnetic star of enduring international appeal... Her Carmen is a flame of fire, isolating in a few moments the essence of her attraction... Her enigma sustained throughout a career notable for its startling changes of tempo and direction...Her shapely figure, blazing eyes, with the air of the unexpected add up a touch of melancholy to even the most routine sequences... Her performance was a parable of love and its power to destroy if misused...

OTTO PREMINGER, OPUS 20
**** 1954. Produced and directed by Otto Preminger. Based on Georges Bizet's Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra and Prosper Mérimée's Carmen and Other Stories (Oxford World's Classics). Bronze Bear in Berlin and Golden Globe in the Best Film Musical/Comedy category. Joe the soldier is seduced by the free spirited Carmen. He chooses soon to desert and follows Carmen Jones to Chicago where she loses interest in him. After Diane Tremayne Jessup in Angel Face in 1952 and Patty O'Neill in The Moon Is Blue [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - France ] in 1953, this is the third portrait of a row of a strong-willed woman by Otto Preminger. Thanks to the high quality of the material, libretto and music, CARMEN JONES passes successfully the test of time contrary to most of the musicals of the 50's. Dorothy Dandridge literally ignites the screen. Highly recommended.

Just a few trailers as bonus features but a near perfect copy should lead you to add this DVD to your library.

Classic
Classic Dorothy Dandridge, if you like her, a must see along with Porgy & Bess.

"Ain't no use arguin' with the wind!"
I decided to purchase "Carmen Jones" for a number of reasons. Chief among these reasons is that this movie is historical for my race, African-American. Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for best actress. Secondly, I am a huge Dorothy Dandridge fan and decided to purchase one of her movies since I had never seen one in its entirety. Many have raved about the elegance she exudes on screen as well as her outstanding skill as an actress. I finally see what everyone means! She was a remarkably talented actress, and I can utter that after only seeing one of her motion pictures. She was really ahead of her time.

"Carmen Jones" is about an extremely confident woman who pursues then acquires any man she wants, even if he is involved with someone else. However, she meets a fatal attraction (Harry Belafonte). She loves him and leaves him, but he won't have of it. He tries to get into several physical altercations with Carmen's new object of affection (who is ironically a boxer). He even threatens both of their lives. Things become tragic by the motion picture's end.

The overall acting in this movie is superb. These actors look like naturals and brought so much purity to the screen. I am not a fan of opera, but I enjoyed the music. It was not an overbearing amount of music so that made it easier. Also, this was the first old movie I have watched with my undivided attention. I always felt like old movies wouldn't be edited properly and would look unprofessional. I was so wrong! Overall, the movie was edited very well.

I will definitely be watching this movie a lot in the future. I won't put boundaries on promoting this film. It is one that I feel any and every one can take something from, so it is highly recommended to all! 5 shining stars!