Cremaster 5

(1997)Directed by Matthew Barney55 minDrama, Music

CREMASTER 5 is a five-act opera (sung in Hungarian) set in late-ninteenth century Budapest. The last film in the series, it represents the moment when the testicles are finally released and sexual differentiation is fully attained. The lamenting tone of the opera suggests that Barney invisions this as a moment of tragedy and loss. The primary character is the Queen of Chain (played by Ursula Andress). Barney, himself, plays three characters who appear in the mind of the Queen: her Diva, Magician, and Giant. The Magician is a stand-in for Harry Houdini, who was born in Budapest in 1874 and appears as a recurring character in the Cremaster cycle.

Ursula Andressas Queen of Chain
Matthew Barneyas Diva / Giant / Magician
Joanne Rhaas Queen's Usher / Fudor Sprite
Susan Rhaas Queen's Usher / Fudor Sprite
Amy Chiangas Fudor Sprite
Mei-Chiao Chiuas Fudor Sprite
Michelle Ingkavetas Fudor Sprite
Yoko Hyunas Fudor Sprite (as Yoko Kuroiwa)
Kim Nghiemas Fudor Sprite