Madame Butterfly Animation

The first thing I noticed, and of course the first aspect introduced in the animation was the Music after a cold silence! I am familiar with opera and it was noted in class that it is an American take on the Japanese culture, but even in the music I think the composer did a wonderful job adding the cultural style to the music.

The animation was awesome. And I would recommend these types of adaptations to anyone who doesn't like the idea of opera shows. This animation incorporated the music by setting it as the tool for emotion. For instance, at about  6:20 Madama Butterfly is still waiting, listening to the same music he left her with, while she looks towards his ship, playing new music stylistically. This small distinction just in music showed that he had moved on, while she was still clinging to him and their past relationship.

Please Watch:  Madame Butterfly 

I liked this animation also because of the clear communication of the work while using no dialect. I think that alone is using technology well in art. The butterfly that landed on her only when she was in her happiest moments was a beautiful touch.  The umbilical cord kite situation was quite interesting, a sure way to show an attachment between the mother and child.  Also, where the soldier returns, with his new family, and just rips the umbilical cord from the mother’s stomach, in order to take her child spoke volumes. The way he ripped it out of her while holding the child, not even looking at her showed his little concern about the feeling or attachment the woman had to him through their child. She also falls to the ground so emotionally, and the operatic music got louder as her pain grew.

Overall I enjoyed it. I realize while watching adaptations that they only make me want to go see the great operas, because the music is so essential in the transformations. So I think Pjotr Sapegin's Madama Butterfly, did its job.