Finding your next obsession
Finding your next obsession

Based on Oscar Wildes story The Birthday of the Infanta, Zemlinskys single-act opera Der Zwerg is the tragic tale of a dwarf who is presented at court, falls in love with the beautiful Donna Clara, but is ultimately forced to see himself as others see him and to die of a broken heart. Preceded by Schoenbergs Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene, Op. 34, Zemlinskys Romantic score is full of psychological intrigue. Is Der Zwerg a critique of societys superficiality? Is it the composers self-portrait in his doomed affair with Alma Schindler? Director Tobias Kratzers stunning, transparent production creates a space in which each character is thrown into sharp relief in this fine, noble and melancholy work.
LUXEN Decision Guide
A focused choice when you want a story with a clear identity and enough detail to make the choice feel intentional.
Best fit
Who it is for
A good fit when you already know the general kind of movie you want and want a little more context before pressing play.
Commitment
Light commitment · 1h 35m
Use the runtime as a quick check against how much time you have tonight.
Start here
Read the synopsis.
Read the synopsis, then use the music cues to decide whether the tone fits.
Explore the same territory
Cast
Tap a cast member to discover more of their work.