The structure of the film is built from a series of different, contrasting, inter-related episodes which develop into a unified whole. The tone of the film is firmly rooted in whimsy and fantasy permeated with an underlying innocence and youthful naivety.
The framework and impetus of the scenario is Tchaikovsky's music. Its different moods, rhythms and harmonies inspire and often dictate the imagery seen on the screen. This is not a film where music is selected in post-production to fit the onscreen action but one where the on-screen action springs directly from the music itself.