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Re: Track the Films You Watch (2006)
Ballets Russes (2005, Daniel Geller, Dayna Goldfine)
This documentary relays the history of the Ballets Russes, which formed from the ashes of a famous touring ballet company of expatriate Russians in the 20's. Ballet Russe was then formed in the early 30's, only to fracture into competing company's when the egos of various participants (including Leonid Massine who took over one of the competing companies and who would later choreograph and dance in Powell & Pressburger's The Red Shoes ). The companies toured first in Europe and then helped bring Russian-style ballet to the United States and Australia. The companies not only were famous for their innovative choreography (at least in the early years) but for holding dancer tryouts while on tour, thus giving entree and serving as training ground to a number of American dancers (including future "Seven Brother" Marc Platt) and even employed an African-American and Native American dancers.
The film relays interesting history (and a good deal of juicy behind the scenes dirt) while also featuring some terrific footage of the ballet troupes in action. The film also includes interviews with many of the still living participants, many of whom remain in the dance world as teachers. I was a bit disappointed there was no mention of The Red Shoes when a number of other peripheral topics are discussed, but if you have any interest in dance or the tangential relationship some of the participants have to the film world, than Ballets Russes is well worth your time. - B
The Lady Eve (1941, Preston Sturges)
Yet another revisit of one of my favorite romantic comedies featuring a smoldering Barbara Stanwyck and a great supporting cast with Willliam Demarest, Charles Coburn, Eugene Pallette, Eric Biore, and more. Pikes Pale, the Ale That Won For Yale. Rah Rah. - A
Volver (2006, Pedro Almodovar)
Almodovar's latest is another celebration of the resiliency of women. Penelope Cruz is luminous and displays an inner fire that she doesn't show in her Hollywood work. While the story is thinner than his last few films, his absolute command of the medium, his inimitable energy and style, his ability to find the humor in virtually any situation, and his knack for obtaining wonderful performances from his actresses makes this another wonderful experience from one of our greatest living filmmakers. - B+
Closes out my 2006 viewing.
Yes, Captain Hammer's here, hair blowing in the breeze. The day needs my saving expertise! - Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool
2002 Sight & Sound Challenge: 313 Last Watched: Time of the Gypsies
Last 10 Films Watched:
Retribution - B / Frontiers - C
The Third Mother - B+ / The Mist - A
Diary of the Dead - B+ / The Invisible Man - B+
Inside - B / The Crazies - B
Lost Boys: The Tribe - C+ / The War of the Gargantuas - B
DVD BEAVER My Collection
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