Official Movie Website Theatrical Release 2003 Home Video 6/01/04 MPAA Rating Rated PG-13 on appeal for brief strong language, some nudity and sexual content Running Time 1 hour 52 minutes Directed by Robert Altman Cast Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell, James Franco Studio Sony Pictures Classics |
THE COMPANY
A drama so close to being a documentary, this
effort of Director Robert Altman does its best to
draw us into the inner circle of a big time
Chicago dance company. Once in, I'm not sure
that it's all that interesting. Beautiful dance
scenes with awe inspiring sets will impress all.
However, the plot does not have much substance
and will impress very few.
Ry (Neve Campbell) is a young ballet dancer on
the cusp of a brilliant career. She is being
preened for a major role by Alberto Antonelli
(Malcolm McDowel l), an almost stereotypical art
director type, complete with scarf and moody
temperament. Ry's boyfriend, Josh, (James
Franco) is not into the ballet scene and is very
much the outsider at ensemble social functions.
Other than the stage parents, he is one of the
few outsiders portrayed in the movie.
Filmed with the complete cooperation of the
Joffrey Ballet, this look at the dance biz is not as
in depth as it might have been. Great dance
numbers and spectacular set designs do
wonders to make up for the bare bones plot line.
effort of Director Robert Altman does its best to
draw us into the inner circle of a big time
Chicago dance company. Once in, I'm not sure
that it's all that interesting. Beautiful dance
scenes with awe inspiring sets will impress all.
However, the plot does not have much substance
and will impress very few.
Ry (Neve Campbell) is a young ballet dancer on
the cusp of a brilliant career. She is being
preened for a major role by Alberto Antonelli
(Malcolm McDowel l), an almost stereotypical art
director type, complete with scarf and moody
temperament. Ry's boyfriend, Josh, (James
Franco) is not into the ballet scene and is very
much the outsider at ensemble social functions.
Other than the stage parents, he is one of the
few outsiders portrayed in the movie.
Filmed with the complete cooperation of the
Joffrey Ballet, this look at the dance biz is not as
in depth as it might have been. Great dance
numbers and spectacular set designs do
wonders to make up for the bare bones plot line.
Brenda’s comments
Are you sure it isn't a documentary? Just
kidding. The lack of plot might fool you
though. Not quite a drama, but something in
between. The ballets presented are simply
beautiful and come across well on the big
screen. I'm not sure that the effect would
be the same on home video. So, I wouldn't
wait for the small screen version. If you are
a fan of ballet, see it at the theater and you
will feel as if you attended a fine dance
performance with a few minor interruptions
of a plot here and there.
Are you sure it isn't a documentary? Just
kidding. The lack of plot might fool you
though. Not quite a drama, but something in
between. The ballets presented are simply
beautiful and come across well on the big
screen. I'm not sure that the effect would
be the same on home video. So, I wouldn't
wait for the small screen version. If you are
a fan of ballet, see it at the theater and you
will feel as if you attended a fine dance
performance with a few minor interruptions
of a plot here and there.
Mary’s comments
Going in expecting some dance industry
dirt, I am somewhat disappointed. Nothing
shown is too surprising and probably quite
mild compared to reality. Sure dancers got
their feelings hurt and some are cut, so
what else is new? Not the story, that's for
sure. Of course, the dance scenes are
beautifully done and are well worth seeing.
Knowing what I know now, I might have just
waited for the video version.
Going in expecting some dance industry
dirt, I am somewhat disappointed. Nothing
shown is too surprising and probably quite
mild compared to reality. Sure dancers got
their feelings hurt and some are cut, so
what else is new? Not the story, that's for
sure. Of course, the dance scenes are
beautifully done and are well worth seeing.
Knowing what I know now, I might have just
waited for the video version.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
