Opera No. 1 (1994)

In the mystical realm of Opera No. 1, two delightfully bumbling celestial agents, reminiscent of Cupid-like goddesses, decide to dabble in the intricate affairs of human hearts. This mini musical comedy unfolds like a Shakespearean romp through an enchanted forest, or a whimsical detour on the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour". In the heart of the forest, we encounter a young man, a slave to his work, who is yet to discover the sweetness of love. On the other side of the woodland, a young woman, equally engrossed in her labors, yearns for the touch of romance. The goddesses, full of well-meaning intentions, split up to weave their magic on these unsuspecting mortals. However, their plans go awry when one goddess, tasked with creating a love spell, stumbles in her enchantment. Far from making the young man fall for the first girl he sees, she becomes the unexpected object of his fervent affections. As she tries to flee from his amorous pursuit, he seizes her magical roller blades, her only means of returning to the celestial world. What follows is a whirlwind of mistaken identities, bewildered wanderings, and enchanting arias. Amidst this chaos, the goddesses somehow manage to unite the work-obsessed mortals in a passionate embrace. Alongside this, they retrieve the stolen roller blades from the love-struck man, thus restoring balance to their otherworldly existence. How these events unfold, however, is a mystery to be discovered in the whimsical world of Opera No. 1.

Opera No. 1 is a comedy movie featuring Patricia Dunnock and directed by Hal Hartley.

Opera No. 1 is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.