Don Giovanni is what a lot of people would call a “problematic fave.” On the one hand, Mozart’s music is incredible. On the other hand, the title character is a rapist. I understand if you want to stop reading now. It’s impossible for contemporary viewers to gloss over or ignore Giovanni’s crimes, which are still too often ignored today. But art is supposed to ask questions, and there is a lot to unpack in Don Giovanni, especially in a nuanced production. Fortunately, Seattle Opera’s new film version of the opera faces the contradictions in Don Giovanni head on while also experimenting with format. The result is a complex and intriguing show that keeps you thinking long after you’ve hit the power button.
