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M. BUTTERFLY – Howard Shore
THROWBACK THIRTY
Original Review by Jonathan Broxton
M. Butterfly is an epic romantic drama film directed by David Cronenberg, based on the Tony Award-winning play of the same name by David Henry Hwang, which was itself inspired by the classic opera Madam Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. The movie tells the story of Rene Gallimard, a French diplomat stationed in China in the 1960s and 1970s, who becomes romantically involved with Song Liling, a Chinese opera singer. As the years go by, Gallimard’s career flourishes, and he becomes entangled in espionage, sharing sensitive information with Song Liling, whom he believes to be a woman. However, Gallimard remains oblivious (or, perhaps, intentionally overlooks) to the fact that Song Liling is actually a male spy working for the Chinese government; eventually, the revelation of Song’s true identity, and his espionage activities, lead to dramatic and tragic consequences for Gallimard. The film is a fascinating exploration of issues related to gender, sexuality, and East-West cultural clashes, as well as the power dynamics within their unconventional relationship. The film stars Jeremy Irons as Gallimard, and John Lone as Song, with support from Barbara Sukowa and Ian Richardson. Read more…
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