'Mozart in the Jungle' | Amazon Prime Television Series Review
Produced for Amazon Studios by Picrow, 'Mozart in the Jungle' is a comedy-drama television series developed by the likes of Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Alex Timbers, and Paul Weitz.
Inspired by the 2005 memoir by oboist Blair Tindall, 'Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music' follows an oboe player’s professional career in New York, playing high-profile performances on Broadway, and ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic.
The story follows Hailey Rutledge (Lola Kirke), an oboist who longs to play with the New York Symphony; and Rodrigo De Souza (Gael Garcia Bernal) is the eccentric conductor leading the symphony Hailey so desires to be apart of. Rodrigo is loosely based on Venezuelan Gustavo Dudamel - the Los Angeles Philharmonic music director, who actually coached Bernal with his conducting - and it shows.
Benal really is an integral element to the show’s success, intriguing viewers in his unique embodiment of the character he portrays. His magnetic charisma, humour and lively character earned him two Golden Globe wins for the first two seasons of the program, and a nomination for the third - all highly deserved given his remarkable talent.
Rodrigo is easy to love; in fact, his quirkiness helps propel the narrative and engage the audience, while simultaneously introducing today’s youth to the world of classical music – a world they are (generally) unaccustomed to.
Half of the third season remains in Venice, with Bernal speaking fluently in newly learned Italian. In contrast, the second half of the season takes place in the program’s native New York. Continuing to bounce back and forth between all the characters audiences have grown to love, Season Three is ‘Mozart in the Jungle’s best one yet. The secondary storyline based in New York sees Rodrigo attempt to tame a temperamental operatic diva in Venice. Compelling? We think so.
Kirke and Bernal's relationship grounds the series amongst its extravagance with its blend of charisma, warmth, and creativity. The characters drive each other crazy, yet deep down, the two are very much in love each other, despite their distractions.
Season Three shows Hailey considering other musical paths through conducting. While she must overcome professional challenges to begin with, she continues to strive to get her bearings throughout the season, much to the interest of loyal viewers. Hailey is forced to confront her insecurities, taking on a more senior/leadership role in her life rather than remaining an assistant to someone akin to Rodrigo.
The show continues to blossom in a fusion of musical harmony with brilliant writing and perfect yet equally demanding performances captured cinematically onscreen.
'Mozart in the Jungle' season 3 is available on Amazon Prime now.
