Viva Carmen

Any lapses in attention or understanding, however, should be covered by the sheer enchantment of the animation, immersing viewers in the chaotic bustle and unyielding climate of this scorched city.

A vivid, unruly breath of fresh air. This animated gem is both a startlingly original act of adaptation and, more importantly, a welcome reminder that ambition can also be fun.

A swooning and sketch-like distillation of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” Laudenbach’s new feature obviously takes on a slightly heavier subject than his previous work, but it retains the same blitheness of spirit.

Laudenbach was already known for his gorgeously impressionistic and evocative animation style, but [in Carmen] the results are simply breathtaking.