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Plot
In the heart of the Duke of Mantua's court, amidst the laughter and merriment, stands the hunchbacked jester, Rigoletto. Despite his physical deformity, Rigoletto possesses a sharp wit that he uses to entertain the Duke. However, his jests only serve to ignite the ire of the resentful courtiers. The Duke, a notorious womanizer, is entranced by a young maiden he spies on her way to church every Sunday. This woman, unknown to all, is Gilda, the jester's cherished daughter, who is equally smitten by the Duke's charm.
The court's tranquility shatters with the arrival of Count Monterone, seething with rage at the Duke's seduction of his own daughter. Rigoletto's mockery of Monterone's wrath incites the Count to curse both the Duke and the jester. After discovering Rigoletto's secret life with Gilda, whom they believe to be his lover, the spiteful courtiers abduct her to deliver her to the Duke's chamber. The revelation that Gilda is Rigoletto's daughter only fuels their amusement.
Haunted by Monterone's curse and the desire for retribution, Rigoletto conspires with Sparafucile, a murderous thief, and his alluring sister Maddalena. Their scheme? To lure the Duke to Sparafucile's riverside tavern and kill him. Rigoletto forces Gilda to witness the Duke's unfaithfulness as he woos Maddalena, shattering her illusions of love.
Upon overhearing Rigoletto and Sparafucile's murderous plot, Gilda decides to sacrifice herself to save the Duke. She tricks Sparafucile into murdering her instead, her body then delivered to a waiting Rigoletto. Believing he's finally exacted his revenge, Rigoletto prepares to dispose of the body until he hears the Duke's distant singing. His heart drops as he uncovers not the Duke, but a nearly-dead Gilda from the rug. In a poignant duet, Gilda passes away in her father's arms, leaving a devastated Rigoletto to lament the bitter fulfillment of Monterone's curse.
Where to watch Verdi: Rigoletto?
Verdi: Rigoletto is a drama movie featuring Ingvar Wixell and directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle.
It is possible to buy Verdi: Rigoletto on Apple iTunes.