Aria. A self-contained piece for solo voice, usually accompanied by orchestra. In opera, arias mostly appear during a pause in dramatic action when a character is reflecting on their emotions. Most arias are lyrical, with a tune that can be hummed, and many arias include musical repetition.
Anton (Gabriel Casseus) was the Harlem Aria--a young Black man with slightly diminished mental capacity who could sing opera like the Dickens. Of course, there's not a high value on opera singers in Harlem. His quest began when he ran away from home. It didn't take long before he was conned out of his money by a street hustler named Wes (Damon Wayans). Wes would end up being a constant in Anton's life, as was Matthew (Christian Camargo),a piano player that gave Anton the proper forum to show of his talents.
"Harlem Aria" 'is about pursuing your dream despite the odds. Yes, there will be obstacles along the way, but with the right people around you, you can reach any heights. Anton was an innocent character which made him easy to love. Wes, on the other hand, though hilarious, was easy to hate for taking advantage of Anton. "Harlem Aria" was funny, sometimes aimless, yet ultimately enjoyable.
Harlem Aria
1999
Action / Drama
Harlem Aria
1999
Action / Drama
10% - Critics
50% - Audience
6.0Plot summary
Chasing his dream, Anton leaves his aunt's home in Harlem for downtown New York City, where a quick-witted street hustler named Wes cons him out of his life savings. Homeless and empty-handed, Matthew, a street musician stalled in his own dreams, invites Anton to perform with him in the park. Amazed by Anton's singing talent, Matthew befriends him and attempts to keep him safe from Wes's enterprising exploitation. Caught in the middle, Anton's journey isn't an easy one. The three men's lives entwine and lead each down a path of destruction, truth and redemption.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Opera Music in Harlem
One of the best films at Toronto Fest in 1999
Really surprised that this film was not bought quickly and given appropriate promo push for wide release. The Audience at the Toronto International Film Fest screening I attended in Sept. 99 stood and clapped for many minutes at the conclusion of the screening and most stayed for the Q&A. Excellent film with surprisingly nuanced perf by Wayons as a seedy character. Please see this if at all possible!!
An uplifting little gem!!
What a pleasant surprise this movie was! I saw it at the Toronto Film Festival and I left the theatre feeling terrific. Very much a departure from normal indie films, this film is NOT a drug/gang bang movie that has become the norm for urban settings. Instead, the director shows that there are a lot more stories beneath the surface of a place like Harlem. This Forest Gump-esque tale is really fun and Damon Wayans delivers a terrific performance.