Bride of the Wind

Colour, 35mm
USA, 2000, 99 min
Section: Special Events

Synopsis

The compelling true story of Alma Schindler, considered by many to be the most beautiful woman in Vienna at the turn of the century. Awed by his talent as a composer and conductor, she marries Gustav Mahler, twenty years her senior. At his insistence, Alma gives up her own dreams of composing not realising that she is killing a part of herself in the process. Mahler´s death only provides partial relief as she is continually overshadowed by the talented men she inspires. Her second husband Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus School; Oskar Kokoschka, a passionate lover, painted his best work when he was with her, using Alma as his model for ‘Bride of the Wind‘. It was not until she married Franz Werfel that she found a man who would put her desires before his own. With all her needs fulfilled, Alma experiences a creative awakening. Encouraged by Werfel, she composes music for one of his poems. Who was the real Alma? A muse? A great beauty desired by all men? And what did she really want from life?

About the director

Bruce Beresford (b. 1940, Sydney) graduated from Sydney University in 1962. He served as film officer for the British Film Institute Production Board from 1966-1971 and as a film advisor to the Arts Council of Great Britain. He began his career in film as part of Australia´s New Wave, directing Don´s Party (1976), The Getting of Wisdom (1977) and the acclaimed Breaker Morant (1980). In addition to film, he has also directed a number of operas in various cities. Selected filmography: Tender Mercies (1983 - Best Actor Oscar to Robert Duvall), Crimes of the Heart (1986), Driving Miss Daisy (1989), Double Jeopardy (1999) and Bride of the Wind (2000).