Is Opera Vertical Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1984)

📖 The Core Premise

Opera Vertical returns to the screen in 1984, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary, Adventure genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Vertical Opera is a documentary film directed by Jean-Paul Janssen, with climbers Patrick Edlinger and Jean-Paul Lemercier in the Gorges du Verdon. The film opens with a training sequence of Patrick Edlinger then he links the routes with Jean-Paul Lemercier "L'Ange en décongelation" (7a), in which he falls voluntarily to demonstrate the usefulness of the rope, then "Le Septième Saut" (7b+). Finally, the final scene, an anthology, consists of a close-up of Edlinger who climbs free solo and barefoot the route "Débiloff", still in the Verdon, above hundreds of meters of void, all to lyrical music. It is "Wie Furchtsam Wankten Meine Schritte", the aria for alto voice from Johann Sebastian Bach's cantata BWV 33, music not unrelated to the subject of the documentary: "How faltering and fearful my steps were"."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Patrick Edlinger shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Opera Vertical worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1984, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Opera Vertical is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 27 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.