17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's the dancing that makes this so special, November 14, 2001
This review is from: Dancers [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I have watched this movie a LOT!! I own it in the VHS format. It's not a great storyline... it's not an intriguing plot.... but... it is a lovely story of a jaded dancer meeting innocense for the first time in a very long time. I think that the story itself is cute, not mesmerizing but..... the dancing, especially by Baryshnikov is unbelievably heartstopping. There is no other dancer who makes my heart pound and my soul cry out for more. For sure.... the ballet itself is the highlight of this movie but.... watch it without high expectations regarding the plot and story line and you will not be disappointed.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A great disappointment, February 23, 2001
This review is from: Dancers [VHS] (VHS Tape)
When I ordered Herbert Ross's 1987 film "Dancers," I'd already read the customer reviews and wasn't expecting much. But I bought it anyway, ONLY because I wanted to see an early performance by Julie Kent (currently a principal dancer of American Ballet Theatre and one of my favorites). As it turned out, she has a leading role, but only dances for a total of 4-5 seconds. So be forewarned, Julie Kent fans.
There is very little dancing until the last part of the movie, in which most of the second act of the ballet "Giselle" is performed. Alessandra Ferri (also a principal dancer in ABT) had not yet achieved her present level of artistry, but did a commendable job in the role of Giselle. Baryshnikov's dancing is all that you could wish for. Leslie Browne as Myrtha and Vincent Barbee as Hilarion are also good in their roles. But all of these dancers can be seen in more interesting dance videos/films. (Ferri is in the 1996 La Scala version of "Giselle" and dances the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet" in "American Ballet Theatre Now" (1998). Kent is also featured in the "ABT Now" video and stars in the 1999 ABT version of "Le Corsaire.")
As for the non-dance part of "Dancers," the story parallels the plot of "Giselle." Baryshnikov plays the director of a film of "Giselle" that is in the making. Julie Kent plays the sweet young thing in the corps de ballet who captures his fancy. He makes a play for her, she is smitten and is heartbroken when she realizes his true nature.
The acting ranges from stilted to fairly good (Julie Kent was believable as the betrayed girl), but in fairness to the actors -- most of whom are dancers -- they didn't have much to work with. I think I've seen just about every movie that purports to show the offstage lives of dancers, and have yet to see one that rings true.
One thing that annoys me about this movie is the overuse of verbal descriptions of pantomime sequences during rehearsals. The dancers always have some logical excuse for doing it -- for example, teaching a part to another dancer or arguing with the director over the interpretation of the role -- but it's a pretty transparent gimmick for explaining the pantomime to viewers who aren't familiar with the ballet.
Frankly, the most enjoyable part of this movie for me was seeing who showed up in minor roles: Mariangela Melato (star of "Swept Away" and other Lina Wertmüller films), Tommy Rall (a former ABT dancer who was prominent in movie musicals such as "Kiss Me Kate" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"), Lynn Seymour (former principal dancer with the Royal Ballet), and others.
For a better film about ballet dancers on and offstage, try Herbert Ross's "The Turning Point" (1977). Baryshnikov is the leading male dancer, Leslie Browne plays the young female lead, the plot and script are better, and the leading actors (Anne Bancroft, Shirley MacLaine) are much better. Best of all, there is plenty of good dancing throughout the movie.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Dancing, Lousy Story, September 11, 2003
This review is from: Dancers [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I recently rewatched this movie, which I've owned for years, and I must agree with the other reviewers that the plot is absolutely
laughable, especially the scene in which Julie Kent has a mild breakdown on stage during the Mad Scene. Julie Kent is lovely and a fine dancer, but her voice is annoying and she can't act.
The subplot between Wade & Nadine (Victor Barbee & Leslie Browne) is barely touched on and is much more interesting. The baby is gorgeous. I would have thought by now, though, that Barbee would have lost his North Carolina accent!
It's nice to see Tommy Rall again. He was so good in Kiss Me, Kate.
Lynn Seymour's scene in which she explains her pantomime is also very interesting.
The dancing is outstanding from beginning to end. Victor Barbee's Hilarion is finely drawn and sympathetic, far from a villain but rather a nice guy who finishes last with a death he does not deserve. Leslie Browne, who portrays Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, is a wonderful dancer and a very capable actress both in the ballet and in the story. I wish there had been more dancing, as there were parts of the ballet left out, including the peasant pas de deux. But take the advice that others have offered--fast forward through the story & just watch the dance.
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