Meeting Venus 1991
István Szabó's *Meeting Venus* (1991) dives into the high-stakes world of operatic perfection, where artistic ambition collides with human frailty. Glenn Close stars as Karin Anderson, a celebrated Swedish soprano poised to headline a live-streamed *Tannhäuser* production.
Director: István Szabó
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meeting Venus (1991) about?
A world-famous opera singer and a fiery conductor clash over a high-profile production of *Tannhäuser*, only to find their rivalry turning into romance. Behind the scenes, labor disputes and artistic clashes threaten to cancel the show entirely.
Who directed Meeting Venus?
István Szabó, the acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker behind *Mephisto* and *Sunshine*, directs this lively blend of drama and romance.
Who stars in Meeting Venus?
The film features Glenn Close as the lead, alongside Niels Arestrup, Erland Josephson, Macha Méril, and Johanna ter Steege.
Is Meeting Venus (1991) worth watching?
With its sharp wit, stellar cast, and themes of artistic passion, *Meeting Venus* offers a charming mix of humor and heart. Fans of behind-the-scenes dramas and romances will find plenty to enjoy in this underrated gem.
How long is Meeting Venus?
The runtime is 119 minutes, or just under two hours.
About Meeting Venus (1991) — A Romantic Comedy of Operatic Chaos and Unexpected Love
István Szabó's *Meeting Venus* (1991) dives into the high-stakes world of operatic perfection, where artistic ambition collides with human frailty. Glenn Close stars as Karin Anderson, a celebrated Swedish soprano poised to headline a live-streamed *Tannhäuser* production. But when the project stumbles under a storm of backstage conflicts—ego clashes, labor disputes, and creative clashes—the rehearsals take on the intensity of the opera itself. Enter Niels Arestrup as Zoltán Szántó, the Hungarian conductor whose unconventional methods and fiery temperament nearly derail the collaboration. What begins as professional tension slowly transforms into an unexpected romance, proving that behind every grand performance lies a messy, beautiful human story.
Set against the glittering backdrop of an impending global broadcast, this witty yet poignant drama explores the price of artistic integrity, the chaos of creative collaboration, and the serendipity of love in the most unexpected places. Szabó crafts a film that's both a backstage satire and a tender love story, wrapped in opulent costumes and the soaring strains of Wagnerian opera.