Bride of the Wind (2001)

Synopsis: In this semi-biographical tale of Alma Schindler (Sarah Wynter), who became Alma Mahler when she married the famous composer Gustav Mahler (Jonathan Pryce), director Bruce Beresford transports audiences to Vienna at the turn of the 20th Century. The film explores Alma's relationships... In this semi-biographical tale of Alma Schindler (Sarah Wynter), who became Alma Mahler when she married the famous composer Gustav Mahler (Jonathan Pryce), director Bruce Beresford transports audiences to Vienna at the turn of the 20th Century. The film explores Alma's relationships not only with Mahler, her first husband, but also with architect Walter Gropius (Simon Verhoeven), artist Oskar Kokoschka (Vincent Perez), and the man with whom she remarried, author Franz Werfel. With excellent casting, these intriguing historical figures are brought back to life through actors that bear impressive physical resemblance to them. The joyous but loveless Gustav Mahler is expertly played by Jonathan Pryce, and maintains a significant role in the film even after his death, through both his music and a lifelike bronze bust that Alma displays prominently in her home. The rest of the story plays up Alma's beauty and her clever pickup lines, colorfully illustrating each move she makes as she learns to attract, charm, and enrapture the men she seduces, ultimately serving as their muse. However, throughout her love affairs, Alma maintains her individuality and her interest in her own musical compositions, which she victoriously produces for a grand performance near the end of the film. Thus, BRIDE OF THE WIND frees itself from its quaint biopic packaging, positioning Alma as a harbinger of women's convictions, rights, and creative talents. [More]