If you were a fan of the famous tenor, Luciano Pavorotti, or happen to like opera if not him specifically, or are interested mostly in movies, this film "directed" by Ron Howard, the child star who evolved into a major Hollywood director makes a substantial claim for putting a documentary/biography into contention for "best movie" Oscar or other top awards. What could go wrong? Everything. Luciano was a huge man, a vast and unparalleled operatic voice, and an expansive personality to say the least. He saw himself as a sort of peasant touched by God with the voice. He moved from a traditional opera career into a super star career that reached into many genres and places not accustomed to opera stars. With his vast energy, he seemed to breath life into a sick daughter, a fellow tenor who nearly died of an illness, and a second wife who seems to have lived an active life despite M.S. Howard gathered clips and did interviews with a wide circle of his family, colleagues, business associates and admirers. The film is riveting and puts you close to the man living large in every way. His colorful hats, scarves, and getups expressed his reach beyond custom and ordinary life. His estate was over $400 million, but he came to use his talent for charity and good works even as his magnificent voice diminished. This is an intense film and worth every minute you spend with it. This puts Ron Howard, the child who played Oppy on TV's Andy Griffiths show, at a new higher level as a director. Luciano could have overridden a lesser cinematography professional, but Howard puts it all on the screen with amazing skill.
