Lisztomania (1975)

33% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(766 ratings)

This audacious, vulgar, freewheeling fantasia on the life of pianist Franz Liszt ranks among director Ken Russell's most outrageous efforts. Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, is awkward yet likeable as the flamboyant piano performer with a bevy of fetching mistresses and groupies, while Paul… More This audacious, vulgar, freewheeling fantasia on the life of pianist Franz Liszt ranks among director Ken Russell's most outrageous efforts. Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, is awkward yet likeable as the flamboyant piano performer with a bevy of fetching mistresses and groupies, while Paul Nicholas is completely outlandish as the scheming opera composer Richard Wagner. There's no nod to reality here: Liszt and Wagner were in fact friends, and Liszt, who became Wagner's father-in-law, actually assisted in the production of Wagner's opulent productions. Russell, on the other hand, presents Wagner as Liszt's jealous rival ready to wreak havoc on the world by unleashing a cryogenic Viking (Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman) and a horde of machine-gun wielding robot Nazis. In a finale out of Flash Gordon serials, Liszt saves the day after surviving a guillotine designed for phallic dismemberment. The film is fast and loud and wildly undisciplined, much like one of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies. Look fast and you'll see Ringo Starr as the pope. ~ Les Stone, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Ken Russell
Written By: Ken Russell
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1975 Wide

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
This is Ken Russell unfiltered -- straight-up and unafraid to go wherever his mind leads him. Absolutely unique.
Adam Lippe, Examiner.com
There's no reason to suggest that Russell was just earning a paycheck on Lisztomania; clearly his full attention was on the giant penis, or the giant penis marble columns, or the giant heavenly penis pedestal.
Beth Accomando, KPBS.org
Ken Russell just being silly.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's not for those who find Russell's zany antics a bit much.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Tsubaki S

If this had less singing sequences and more crazy Wagner-vampire-frankenstein sequences i would rate this even better. Neverless, good ol Ken Russell knows how to make a good bio pic. You will be missed sir.