La Traviata is a 1982 Italian film directed, written, and designed by Franco Zeffirelli. Based on Giuseppe Verdi’s opera with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, the film stars soprano Teresa Stratas, tenor Plácido Domingo, and baritone Cornell MacNeil, who also perform the singing roles. Premiering in Italy in 1982, it saw a wider release in 1983, including in the U.S. The film’s soundtrack, conducted by James Levine with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, won a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.
Plot:
The film opens in the Paris home of the courtesan Violetta Valery, where creditors, appraisers, and movers are removing much of her artwork and belongings. A mover discovers Violetta, bedridden and frail, and watches her in awe. She is startled, follows him, and, as she gazes down the hallway, her mind drifts back to a happier time. A flashback takes us to a grand party she is hosting to celebrate her recovery from illness. Among the guests is Count Gastone, who introduces his friend, Alfredo Germont, a young nobleman who has admired Violetta from afar. Violetta, feeling dizzy, retires to her bedroom, where Alfredo follows and professes his love. Initially, she rejects him, insisting love means nothing to her, but she is moved by his concern and gives him a camellia, asking him to return it when it wilts. He promises to return the next day.
Months pass, and Violetta and Alfredo are living together in a peaceful country house outside Paris. Violetta has fallen deeply in love with him and left her previous life behind. When Alfredo learns from their maid, Annina, that Violetta has been selling her belongings to fund their extravagant lifestyle, he rushes to Paris to take control of the situation.
In his absence, Giorgio, Alfredo’s father, arrives and asks Violetta to end her relationship with his son, as her reputation threatens his daughter’s marriage prospects. Despite her love for Alfredo, Violetta agrees to Giorgio’s request. Giorgio kisses her forehead in gratitude for her sacrifice before departing.
Violetta is writing a farewell letter to Alfredo when he arrives. She expresses her enduring love for him but hastily gives the letter to her servant to deliver. Giorgio then returns and attempts to comfort Alfredo, who believes Barone Douphol is the true cause of Violetta’s departure. When he finds an invitation from Flora Bervoix, Alfredo decides to confront Violetta at the party.
At the party, Violetta arrives with Barone Douphol, who challenges Alfredo at a gambling table. Alfredo wins large sums of money, and, when they move to the dining room, Violetta, fearing the Baron’s anger may lead to a duel, urges Alfredo to leave. He misunderstands her, demanding that she admit to loving Douphol. In a fit of rage, Alfredo humiliates Violetta in front of the guests, throwing his winnings at her as payment for the “services” she provided while they were together. Giorgio, who has arrived searching for his son, witnesses the scene and chastises Alfredo. Flora and the other ladies try to escort Violetta away, but before leaving, she turns to Alfredo and tells him he can never fully understand the depth of her love for him.
Back at Violetta’s home, Dr. Grenvil informs Annina that Violetta’s tuberculosis has worsened and that she has little time left. Giorgio writes to Violetta, explaining that he has revealed to Alfredo the sacrifice she made for his family and that Alfredo is coming to see her. Alfredo arrives, suggesting they leave Paris together, but Violetta knows her time is running out. Giorgio rushes in, pleading for her forgiveness. Violetta gives Alfredo a locket with her picture inside, asking him to remember her and urging him to marry again if he finds love. As she feels a strange calm, she murmurs, “How strange, the spasms have stopped.” With a serene smile, she rises from the bed and reaches toward the light. “I am returning to life!” she cries, before collapsing onto the floor.
