THE CHORAL was a British production created to explore the hush-hush, confining time period of 1916. WWI was raging across Europe, and too many young men were dying while trying to survive the hellish battles to conquer ‘No Man’s Land.’ Life was brutal, as townspeople in small English villages held their breath when a telegram arrived at their doorstep. Men were in the throes of conscientious objection, facing their own homosexuality and mortality, while receiving an unimaginable, joyous delight from singing in a choral setting.
The film moved slowly, with far too many subplots to untangle. The singing scenes were the best. Their voices will give viewers an incredible gift if they happen to be fans of very formal, choral arrangements bordering on opera-quality, fine, full, rich voices. It is, after all, a movie about loving to sing more than life itself.
The incomparable Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Guthrie was simply superb. His total commitment to his character was evident in every scene. His emotional peak at the conclusion of THE CHORAL’s performance is felt by everyone present, including audience members. BAFTA also recognized his brilliant performance.
THE CHORAL featured authentic, beautiful costuming and set designs. It was truly a visit to a seemingly lethargic town that was brimming with exploration of life’s predicaments. It was a slow, steady burn to a natural order of events. Nothing was solved or changed. We were just privy to an artistic moment in time.
THE CHORAL is not for everyone. It is an acquired taste that most, if not noticing, would just pass on by.
THE CHORAL is streaming on Netflix.
