Orpheus in the Underworld
Movie • 1983
ReportSynopsis
Offenbach's popular comic opera poking fun at Greek mythology in english translation, staged for television by Christopher Renshaw.
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RossPossum
John Styx repeatedly gives Eurydice unwanted romantic attention in her new bedroom, which is played for laughs. He does not grope or physically assault her. Ambiguous "if only I dared," line.
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RossPossum
John Styx repeatedly gives Eurydice unwanted romantic attention in her new bedroom, which is played for laughs. He does not grope or physically assault her. Ambiguous "if only I dared," line.
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Is there a dead animal?
164 supporters
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RossPossum
Dead pig comically placed between two loaves of bread as a "bacon sandwich."
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Is there pedophilia?
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RossPossum
Cupid is depicted as a "trousers' role," as an obviously mature woman depicting a boy. The character takes an interest both in affairs with women and conventional children's interests (toys). The non-literality of this portrayal is emphasized on several levels (including this video containing the operetta through a show in a show). This production in particular emphasizes that the actress is obviously an older woman. During a scene where Cupid is helping Jupiter locate a woman by making kissing noises, they almost are incidentally choreographed to kiss each other, but they stop and shrug it off.
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Is a minor sexualized?
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RossPossum
Yes, although arguably more to genre-specific comic ends typical to the genre of opera than to any sexual ends. See above.
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Does someone die by suicide?
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Is rape mentioned?
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RossPossum
The word rape is used with the classical definition of "being carried off by force," perhaps meaning not against the woman's autonomy but from the authority of a husband. It refers to an "abduction," that is very much consensual. The operetta's social commentary hinges on converting famous mythological stories of abduction (from a culture that didn't necessarily care whether women consented to sex acts) to the equivalent of modern consensual sex scandals.
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RossPossum
Eurydice is eager to go to the Underworld (which is thematically and satirically more of Los Vegas) after Hades (disguised as her Shepard lover) contrives her death. Constant wordplay about this technically being her death is used comedically.
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Is there bestiality?
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RossPossum
B*****l elements of mythology are alluded to. Involves stories of Jupiter turning into many animals while having sex with women. These are told are stories, and one incident is depicted onscreen (through a costume change and editing to make the Jupiter actor appear the size of a fly). These stories are applied comedically, for the bizarre element and to satirize old men putting on facades for romantic and sexual affairs.
Best summed up in the following lyrics used to mock Jupiter
"But if a plain old man will hunger,
for each and every pretty maid,
he's got to make himself look younger,
or he will never make the grade. . .
Every time you ask for it, you have to wear a mask for it."
Best summed up in the following lyrics used to mock Jupiter
"But if a plain old man will hunger,
for each and every pretty maid,
he's got to make himself look younger,
or he will never make the grade. . .
Every time you ask for it, you have to wear a mask for it."
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Is there domestic violence?
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104 supporters
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Are there incestuous relationships?
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Is there sexual content?
76 supporters
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RossPossum
Excessively. Constant adulterousness and sexual pursuit. A depiction of gawking at underwear. Promiscuous and partially objectifying portrayals of women, including Can-Can girl performers. Many sexualized shots, especially during the Can-Can scene.
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Is there a large age gap?
46 supporters
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RossPossum
The immortal gods are depicted as (possibly older end) middle aged men. These gods pursue (sometimes successfully) Eurydice, who is presented ambiguously as far as age, but could be interpreted as in her late twenties at lowest.
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Are there bugs?
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RossPossum
Technically. Jupiter transforms into a fly (which amounts to a fly-themed costume and to editing to make him smaller than Eurydice).
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Does someone say "I'll kill myself"?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
37 supporters
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Does the abused become the abuser?
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Does a major character die?
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RossPossum
Technically, Eurydice dies. This is effectively portrayed as her willingly moving in with another man, as the Underworld is satirically recontextualized as a place for "immoral," partying, and Pluto's household.
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Does a woman get slapped?
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Are there anxiety attacks?
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RossPossum
Juno has "one of her turns," which is a 'mood swing," resulting from her rage and embarrassment at her husband's reputation for cheating on her.
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Is there addiction?
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RossPossum
John Styx is comedically portrayed as an alcoholic.
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Are there snakes?
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RossPossum
There are prop snakes that bite Eurydice, being responsible for her 'death.'
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Does someone abuse alcohol?
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RossPossum
John Styx is a drunk, technically not from Alcohol, but the amnesiac water from the mythological river Lythe.
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Is someone kidnapped?
14 supporters
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RossPossum
Mentions and brings to mind many possibly non-consensual 'abductions,' and sexual interactions from mythology, here depicted as modern consensual sex scandals and elopment.
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Does someone have a meltdown?
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RossPossum
Juno has "one of her turns," in rage at how well known her husband's infidelity is.
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Is there obscene language/gestures?
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RossPossum
"Damn," and "hell," ad nauseum.
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Does someone become unconscious?
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RossPossum
Eurydice does briefly, gladly and willingly.
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Is the fourth wall broken?
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RossPossum
Not fully, but is occasionally winked at. Played with with the performance being in a show-within-a-show. The show is presented as a self-inserting dream had by Napoleon the third while watching the source material operetta live.
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Does someone cheat?
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RossPossum
Orpheus and Eurydice are mutually cheating on each other. Jupiter is a chronic adulterer, taking the opportunity both to hypocritically scorn other adulterers to improve his image, and to cheat whenever possible. Many other characters are known to be adulterers.
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Does someone die?
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RossPossum
Again, technically yes, effectively no.
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Are there demons or Hell?
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RossPossum
Last third is dedicated to a humorous depiction of hell as an 'immoral,' party-joint.
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Is there incarceration?
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RossPossum
Eurydice is locked in a room by Pluto (presumedly to keep others from pursuing her sexually). She compares the situation to being imprisoned and says that John Styx "might as well be my jailor."
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