Sisi
Sisi
"Sisi" follows the extraordinary life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Modern, honest, and authentic. Told from the perspective of her closest confidants, the series takes a new look at the empress' life and reveals a multi-layered woman.
Accuracy Verdict
The 1955 film 'Sisi' is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you enchanted with its captivating story, stunning costumes, and the mesmerizing performance of Romy Schneider as the beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria!
Behind the Scenes
- Romy Schneider was only 16 years old when she landed the role of Sisi, and she went on to play the character in two more films, becoming synonymous with the iconic Empress.
- The film's script was written by Ernst Marischka, who was inspired by the real-life diaries of Empress Elisabeth, which he had access to through a private collector.
- The famous Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, where much of the film was shot, was still under renovation after being damaged in World War II, and the production team had to work around the construction to create the illusion of a fully restored palace.
- Romy Schneider's iconic hairstyles in the film were created by a team of stylists who used a combination of wigs, hairpieces, and her own hair to achieve the signature Sisi look.
- The film's costumes were designed by the renowned costume designer, Gerdago, who created over 100 elaborate gowns and suits for the production, many of which were inspired by real-life designs from the 19th century.
- The famous horse-riding scenes were performed by Romy Schneider herself, who was an accomplished equestrian and insisted on doing her own stunts.
- The film's score, composed by Anton Profes, features a beautiful waltz that has become synonymous with the film, and was actually written by the composer in just one night, after being inspired by a dream.
- The film's director, Ernst Marischka, was a close friend of the real-life descendants of the Habsburg family, and he consulted with them extensively to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the film's portrayal of the imperial family.
Did You Know?
- The real-life Empress Elisabeth was known for her exotic beauty, and her hair was so long and thick that it took hours to style every day, with some reports claiming it took up to 3 hours to brush and style her famous tresses.
- The film's portrayal of the imperial family's relationships is surprisingly accurate, with the real-life Emperor Franz Joseph being known for his stuffy and formal demeanor, and the Empress being a free spirit who longed for adventure and romance.
- The famous 'Sisi' trilogy, which includes 'Sisi' (1955), 'Sisi - The Young Empress' (1956), and 'Sisi - Fateful Years of an Empress' (1957), was a massive commercial success, and helped to cement Romy Schneider's status as a international movie star.
- The film's cinematography was groundbreaking for its time, with the use of innovative camera techniques and lighting designs that helped to create a sense of grandeur and opulence.
- The real-life Schönbrunn Palace, where much of the film was shot, is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vienna, with over 2 million visitors per year, and features an impressive 1,441 rooms, including 19 state rooms and 1,000 bedrooms.
- Romy Schneider's performance as Sisi was so iconic that it inspired a new generation of Austrians to learn more about their country's history and royal heritage, and she remains one of the most beloved and revered actresses in Austrian cinema.
- The film's success can be attributed in part to the careful research and attention to detail that went into creating the sets, costumes, and characters, with the production team consulting with historians and experts to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the film's portrayal of 19th-century Austria.
- The 'Sisi' trilogy has been named as an inspiration by numerous filmmakers, including Stanley Kubrick, who cited the film's use of long takes and elaborate costumes as an influence on his own work.
Watch Next
The Young VictoriaMore Accurate
If you loved the opulent costumes and the strong-willed heroine of 'Sisi', you'll adore this film about the early life of Queen Victoria, with its stunning performances and meticulous attention to historical detail.
Marie AntoinetteMore Drama
While the tone and style of this film are quite different from 'Sisi', the lavish costumes and the exploration of the complexities of royal life make it a fascinating companion piece to the 'Sisi' trilogy.
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