9/10: Love Before the Fall

An Opera Film by Daron Hagen

On the drizzly autumn evening of 10 September 2001, a strolling violinist named Charon arrives at Passaggio, the cozy restaurant in Manhattan’s Little Italy where he busks for tips. Affectionately greeted by his longtime friends, bartender Orfeo and server Lulu, he unpacks his violin as a recording by a 30s chanteuse named Eury singing a setting of a lyric by Christina Rosetti called “Ferry Me Across the Water” plays on the jukebox.

Bibi, an actor who works as a server at the World Trade Center restaurant Windows on the World, and her friend Tony, a chef there, arrive. Trina, an attorney with offices at the World Trade Center, arrives next, explaining that she’s just come from drinks with clients and her law (and life) partner Cory, who is still with them. At last Cory arrives, in high spirits. 

As Lulu presents and removes courses, Orfeo tends bar, Eury sings overhead, and Charon comments on his violin, they exchange memories, dreams, and hopes for the future. Over dessert, there is a surprise double marriage proposal. “Remember tonight,” they sing, “for it is the start of everything.” Charon extends his hand to each of them for a tip as they depart. Paying, each intuits that more than a few pennies are at stake.

We're going for something new here together that combines the emotional impact of cutting-edge live operatic performance with the psychological verisimilitude of gritty third-wall-demolishing auteur filmmaking. In short, neither film nor opera, but images storyboarded, directed and edited to the rhythm of the score by the composer himself, brought vividly to life by brave, fiercely-committed performers.

- DARON HAGEN