The Saddest Music in the World (2004): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
The Saddest Music in the World is a 2004 drama musical directed by Guy Maddin, starring Isabella Rossellini, Maria de Medeiros and Mark McKinney. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $854,994 worldwide. Critics gave it 78 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Director
- Guy Maddin
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- IFC Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Saddest Music in the World About?
The premise of The Saddest Music in the World without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
During the Depression, a wealthy and eccentric beer baroness in Winnipeg sponsors a competition to find the saddest music in the world, offering a substantial $25,000 prize. This unusual event draws a collection of quirky and talented musicians, leading to a surreal and poignant journey. The film blends drama, music, and social commentary, creating a unique cinematic experience reminiscent of the Marx Brothers’ comedic style, while exploring deeper themes of melancholy and human connection.
The Saddest Music in the World Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- contest
- great depression
- beer
- baroness
- sorrow
- musician
- prohibition
- winnipeg manitoba
- surrealism
- music contest
- amputee
- prize
+38 more Show fewer
- competition
- father and son in love with the same woman
- sex with brother in law
- female topless nudity
- death of son
- absurd comedy
- male prostitute
- dark comedy
- woman has sex with father and son
- woman has sex with two brothers
- brother in law sister in law kiss
- brother in law sister in law sex
- father son romantic rivalry
- father and son have sex with the same woman
- handjob
- streetcar driver
- music competition
- wax cylinder audio recording
- reference to prohibition
- bobbed hair
- snow drift
- amputated leg
- man carries a woman
- simulated blow job
- oral sex while driving
- car crash
- drunk doctor
- seeing double
- wrong leg amputated
- reference to gavrilo princip
- sex with sister in law
- brother brother romantic rivalry
- overheard sex
- family affairs
- brother in law sister in law affair
- brothers have sex with the same woman
- some scenes in color
- camera shot of a woman's legs
The Saddest Music in the World Cast
Isabella Rossellini leads the cast, with Maria de Medeiros and Mark McKinney. Directed by Guy Maddin.
-
Director Guy Maddin
More from Guy Maddin
More films directed by Guy Maddin, best-rated first: The Green Fog, My Winnipeg, Brand Upon the Brain! and Cowards Bend the Knee or The Blue Hands.
The Saddest Music in the World Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Saddest Music in the World 78 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 78 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB
The Saddest Music in the World Plot Summary
What happens in The Saddest Music in the World from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the midst of the Great Depression, the year 1933 brings us to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where the vibrant backdrop is set for the bold endeavor of Lady Helen Port-Huntley. With the end of Prohibition on the horizon in the United States, this beer baroness stages a remarkable competition: an opportunity to unearth the saddest music in the world. Musicians from every corner are lured by the enticing grand prize of $25,000 in “Depression-era dollars,” causing a musical frenzy. Among the contenders is Chester Kent, a struggling Broadway producer, who, despite being a local, sees himself as the rightful representative of America.
Full summary
The whole story of The Saddest Music in the World, scene by scene
The Saddest Music in the World Box Office
The Saddest Music in the World grossed $854,994 worldwide. $699,225 came from the US and Canada and $155,769 (18%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$855K
- US & Canada
- $699.2K
- International
- $155.8K
The Saddest Music in the World Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Saddest Music in the World.
How Well Do You Know The Saddest Music in the World?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year does 'The Saddest Music in the World' take place?
The Saddest Music in the World Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “La canzone più triste del mondo” and “La musique la plus triste du monde”.
- Also known as
-
- La canzone più triste del mondo
- La musique la plus triste du monde
- Най-тъжната музика на света
- A Canção Mais Triste do Mundo
- 이 세상에서 가장 슬픈 노래
- 世界上最悲伤的音乐
- A Música Mais Triste do Mundo
Seen The Saddest Music in the World?
Movies Like The Saddest Music in the World
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Wonderful World, The Music Man and They Shall Have Music.
The Saddest Music in the World FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Saddest Music in the World, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Saddest Music in the World?
The Saddest Music in the World runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was The Saddest Music in the World released?
The Saddest Music in the World was released on April 30, 2004.
Who directed The Saddest Music in the World?
The Saddest Music in the World was directed by Guy Maddin.
More films by Guy Maddin Who is in the cast of The Saddest Music in the World?
The Saddest Music in the World stars Isabella Rossellini, Maria de Medeiros and Mark McKinney.
How much did The Saddest Music in the World make at the box office?
The Saddest Music in the World grossed $854,994 worldwide ($699,225 domestic, $155,769 international).
How is The Saddest Music in the World rated?
The Saddest Music in the World has 78 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.
Does The Saddest Music in the World have a post-credit scene?
No. The Saddest Music in the World has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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