Customer Reviews

Gene Kelly - Anatomy of a Dancer

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a fine look at Gene Kelly. Some of the footage used is miraculous - the duet of Kelly with Astaire is amazing. The reminiscences from a number of people work well, the pace of interview/footage is well crafted. Some of Kelly's career gets glossed without much attention, but for a 90 min. documentary, this is about as good as it gets. The tone of the piece is never cloying, for all the admiration Kelly engenders, and rightfully so. He was an immense artist. Stanley Tucci narrates, and there's ample enough coverage of his private life, especially with his children, to whet your appetite for more. The presentation of his art is first-rate, even as you want more. Gene Kelly's admirers won't be disappointed.

Every once in a while a biographical documentary comes along that transcends the genre and is a worthy film into and of itself. Very often those shows have been part of the wonderful AMERICAN MASTERS series on PBS, and GENE KELLY:ANATOMY OF A DANCER is probably the best I haev ever seen. Intelligent, cogent, and taking a decidedly non-traditional approach, the film is made with the same kind of meticulous care that its subject put into his filmmaking, choreography, and performing.
The interviews are provocative, the clips not predictable, and always entertaining. It's shows like this that remind us what cinematic life portraits used to be like before ...Truly 'S wonderful!

This documentary provides real insight into the man, Gene Kelly, behind the dancing shoes, flashy choreography and "leading man" status in countless musicals. It opens with two men discussing the meaning of life, and one of them refers to Kelly's "Singin' In the Rain" sequence as being one of the most beautiful scenes ever filmed in the movies. I think it is safe to say that many of us will agree.........and those of us who don't agree, probably haven't seen the movie yet! (and they should!)

This film takes a look at Gene, through the eyes of his daughter, his first wife, his co-stars, film critics, and juxtaposes these views with clips of some amazing dance numbers. There was even rare footage of Gene Kelly, before he became the star he remains to be today, preserved in film and in our hearts and minds. This was of his footwork in a staged version of the musical, "Pal Joey." This young man, who started out as an Econ major, and then went on to fluorish as an accomplished dancer, and even taught lessons, was brimming with talent from the beginning. What made Kelly so accessible as a dancer and performer, was his universal, down-to-earth appeal. He was truly the "every man." This is made reference to on several occasions, as the documentary progressed. Gene made dancing masculine, and something that men should not only feel free to do (like a sport), but also something they should take pride in.

This is definitely a "must see."

Another top notch documentary from American Masters. This biography of G Kelly is just incredible. An excellent review of his life and films. The big ones, like Singing in the Rain and American in Paris, but also many of the lesser known films. Will leave you shaking your head on how anyone could dance like this. As pointed out in the film, his dancing appealed to men as well as women. His physical abilities made dancing look both artistic and athletic. He created dance numbers never tried before, and not seen since on the silver screen. In addition to all this, the film quality is unbelievable. Nearly every movie clip was restored to better than original condition. The colors and clarity, especially on a high def tv, are so sharp you will not believe these are 50+ year old movie clips. Bottom line, this 85 min documentary is five stars all the way.

If you are a fan of the wonderful Mr.Kelly,then this is the DVD for you.Lots of interesting background info,and lots of dancing! I fell in love with him when I saw "Singin' in the Rain"when I was a little kid,and have been happily purchasing everything on DVD that is available.The quality of the DVD is excellent,as well.Now excuse me,please,while I go outside and splash around in a few mud puddles!!

Just this week, Time Magazine cited this 2002 documentary as one of seven must-see films for any lover of dance, and I agree this is an extremely well-done feature on an indisputably gifted practitioner, Gene Kelly, by filmmaker Robert Trachtenberg (who did a similarly insightful film on Cary Grant, "A Class Apart", two years later). Originally aired as part of PBS's "American Masters" series, the film follows Kelly's life and career chronologically with an obvious emphasis on his golden decade between his 1942 film debut co-starring with Judy Garland in "For Me and My Gal" to his career peak as star, choreographer and co-director (with protégé Stanley Donen) of 1952's "Singin' in the Rain".

While his artistry and perfectionism are well-known with the results proving as much, Kelly is also portrayed fairly for his ego-driven decisions, intolerance for others who did not uphold his standards and an almost obsessive need for attention. But his intentions were clear, and his first wife, actress Betsy Blair, who provides the most cogent and insightful comments among the interviewees, shrewdly observes Kelly's desire to democratize dance for the masses. So focused on this idea was Kelly that he even produced a 1958 TV special, "Dancing: A Man's Game", excerpts of which are shown in the film showing how dance and professional sports were akin to one another.

The film spotlights memorable moments - his newspaper-tearing dance in "Summer Stock", the impressionistic ballet finale from "An American in Paris", the roller skating number in "It's Always Fair Weather" and of course, his effusive turn in a downpour in "Singin' in the Rain". His failures are also documented - an all-dance film, 1956's "Invitation to the Dance", held back from release for four years; 1955's "It's Always Fair Weather", the cynical flip side to "On the Town"; his leaden direction of 1969's elephantine disappointment, "Hello, Dolly!". Several of Kelly's surviving colleagues are interviewed in brief though telling clips - Debbie Reynolds, Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron among others.

The inevitable comparisons with his only comparable contemporary, Fred Astaire, are here, but the analysis of their individual styles is thoughtful and respectful to both. For me, Kelly is undeniably brilliant but somewhat aware of it in his onscreen persona, which comes across at times as abrasive and preening. His last years are given just a cursory glance as he was beset with illness, but it would have been nice to see his valedictory turns in 1967's "The Young Girls of Rochefort" or even the soft shoe he does in 1980's execrable "Xanadu". No matter as Trachtenberg has made an exemplary record of a most accomplished career. Actor Stanley Tucci narrates.

The first movie I saw of Gene Kelly was "Singin' in the Rain". At first I thought it was going to be an okay movie. But than just watching him singing and dancing in the rain made me feel lighter than air, and so I started dancing around the tv room. Now every time I order off of Amazon, I always make sure that I buy more of Gene Kelly's greatest movies! Also other wonderful musicals that star Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, ext. This time I ordered this biography of Gene Kelly's life. This biography made me fall in love with him even more, and I just hope that all of you Gene Kelly fans will also feel the exact same way. Your're my lucky star Gene Kelly!

This movie showed what an amazing dancer Gene Kelly was. This is one movie I recommened for anyone who loves the world of dance, thinks Gene Kelly is Hot (lol) or if you love musical theater.

If you love musicals, MGM, and in particular, the magic of Gene Kelly, this DVD is for you! Highlights his musical numbers and also lends a personal side to Kelly that is seldom seen. Completes any film library and is a great source of information.

I have been a Gene Kelly fan ever since I can remember. Gene symbolized the era of the great "American Musicals" and his legacy continues to influence new generations of dancers and artists. Gene was "one of a kind" an amazingly spirited individual whose zest and drive for perfection produced some of the most "memorable moments" on film!

This documentary is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a genius who truly cared about his work and listening to his fellow actors and choreographers talk about their association with Gene is wonderful! Gene was also very human and this documentary points it out very well! Seeing all the clips of Gene dancing is a treat and hearing him being interviewed gives quite a bit of insight into what Gene thought about dance and life in general. This is one of the best film documentaries I have ever seen of a Hollywood celebrity and is a "must see" for any fan of Kelly's or for anyone who has ever seen one of his great films!

I think I have practically seen all of Gene Kelly's movies and whenever I'm down and need a little pick me up I'll put one of his movies on and immediately I feel better! Gene had that effect on people..His bright smile and enthusiasm and the glorious songs that pepper his musicals are all classic reminders of a joyful time!

My hats off to the producers and directors of this wonderful program! Thank you for bringing us closer to Gene and the people who loved and cared for him! Gene was a true genius of cinema and his wonderful films will always be a legacy to the legendary artist that he was..God Bless you Gene..