Letter to Peter, on Saint François d'Assise by Olivier Messiaen

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the 1992 staging of Olivier Messiaen's opera "Saint François d'Assise". Directed by Jean-Pierre Gorin, it captures the rehearsals and preparations of the production, featuring prominent artists such as baritone José van Dam and soprano Dawn Upshaw. The film runs for 82 minutes and emphasizes Peter Sellars' unique visual approach, using video monitors as a modern metaphor for stained glass in cathedrals.

The documentary showcases interviews and rehearsal footage, allowing viewers to gain insights into Sellars' vision for the opera. While it focuses more on the staging than on Messiaen's music itself, the film documents a notable moment in operatic history that continues to influence contemporary performance art. Collectors of music-related documentaries and opera enthusiasts may find this an interesting exploration of this pivotal production.