Natalie Merchant: Ophelia 1998
"We are not puritans in France!"
Dive into *Natalie Merchant: Ophelia* (1998), a visually poetic short film directed by Mark Seliger that transforms the former 10,000 Maniacs frontwoman into a canvas of archetypal female characters.
Director: Mark Seliger
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natalie Merchant: Ophelia (1998) about?
*Natalie Merchant: Ophelia* is a short film that stars Natalie Merchant as a series of symbolic female figures, interwoven with music videos from her first two solo albums. The project merges visual artistry with Merchant's signature vocals, creating a moody, introspective journey through themes of identity and artistic freedom.
Who directed Natalie Merchant: Ophelia?
The film was directed by Mark Seliger, a celebrated photographer and filmmaker known for his distinctive visual style.
Who stars in Natalie Merchant: Ophelia?
The cast includes Natalie Merchant herself, Charley Riggs, and Peter Yanowitz, alongside other collaborators who bring the film's surreal narrative to life.
Is Natalie Merchant: Ophelia (1998) worth watching?
While the film is niche, its artistic ambition and Merchant's evocative music make it a compelling watch for fans of alternative music and avant-garde cinema. The 48-minute runtime keeps it accessible, though its abstract nature may not suit all tastes.
How long is Natalie Merchant: Ophelia?
The runtime for *Natalie Merchant: Ophelia* is 48 minutes.
About Natalie Merchant: Ophelia (1998) — A Conceptual Short Film Blending Music and Myth
Dive into *Natalie Merchant: Ophelia* (1998), a visually poetic short film directed by Mark Seliger that transforms the former 10,000 Maniacs frontwoman into a canvas of archetypal female characters. This 48-minute conceptual piece blends ethereal music videos from Merchant's debut solo albums with striking imagery, creating an atmospheric tribute to the power and complexity of womanhood. The film's dreamlike narrative, paired with Merchant's haunting vocals, invites viewers into a surreal exploration of identity, emotion, and liberation.
Starring Natalie Merchant alongside Charley Riggs and Peter Yanowitz, the documentary captures the essence of the late '90s alternative music scene while pushing boundaries with its avant-garde storytelling. With themes of rebellion and self-expression woven into its fabric, *Ophelia* feels less like a traditional film and more like a lyrical manifesto—one that challenges societal norms with its bold tagline: "We are not puritans in France!"