Story Of Faust Inspiration For Bedazzled

Perhaps you’ve watched the endearingly goofy Brendan Fraser in Bedazzled. Or maybe you’ve witnessed Keanu Reeves in The Devil’s Advocate. Both of these films are loosely based on or inspired by the story of Faust, the man who made a pact with the devil.

The devilish storyline pops up in many art forms, from opera to literature, and the silver screen is no exception. Elizabeth Hurley appears as the sultry devil in Bedazzled, luring the Faustian figure (Brendan Fraser) into making several wishes, in the hopes of gaining his soul for her malicious use. In The Devil’s Advocate, Al Pacino, as the devil, comes close to enticing his own Faustian figure into a pact. The Devil’s Advocate draws not only on the story of Dr. Faustus, but on Paradise Lost as well – an influence hard to miss when Pacino’s Satan character goes by the moniker ‘John Milton.’ While neither of these films have a direct, one-to-one correlation with the tale of Faust, the similarities and influences are undeniable.

Unlike the films, Gounod’s devil successfully convinces Faust to sell his soul. Besides a few obvious differences (the opera’s devil will likely wear fewer red velvet outfits than Ms. Hurley), the operatic Faust actively seeks out the devil’s help, dissimilar to the aggressive moves necessary by the films’ devil figures. Additionally, the operatic version of the Faustian legend is all about the girl, Marguerite.

While the legend does chronicle the interactions between Faust and Mephistopheles, the opera focuses on the tender young Marguerite, portrayed by Metropolitan Opera star Maureen O’Flynn, who makes it easy to focus on her character’s story. Marguerite’s tale takes center stage as Faust woos her, then completely ruins her. There’s no Hollywood ending for this opera – torn between both her love and fear of Faust, Marguerite chooses a fatal end.

In celebration of WDAV’s 30th Anniversary, Opening Night of Faust will be broadcast live on WDAV 89.9 FM. Join us on Saturday, October 18 for this momentous occasion in both Opera Carolina and WDAV’s history. Consistently appearing in The Charlotte Observer’s “101 Things to Do in Charlotte,” check Opera Carolina off the list and be a part of the 2008/2009 season!

Faust will be performed in the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center October 18 at 8:00 p.m., October 23 at 7:30 p.m. & October 26 at 2:00 p.m. -- www.operacarolina.org

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