Product Details

• Actors: Jill Clayburgh, Nicol Williamson, Dianne Wiest, Joe Pesci, Geraldine Page
• Directors: Jack Hofsiss
• Writers: David Rabe, Barbara Gordon
• Producers: David Nicksay, David Rabe, Edgar J. Scherick, Scott Rudin
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paramount
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 107 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6300213951
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #258,049 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

From the back cover

One of today's most gifted and brilliant actresses, Jill Clayburgh, brings her special sensitivity to the role of Barbara Gordon, a successful television documentary producer who became hopelessly dependent on tranquilizers. But this is much more than a story of addiction and withdrawal; it is an examination of the success syndrome that affects the lives of people who career triumphs are achieved at great personal sacrifice. It is the dramatic and suspenseful story of one woman's survival in a battle for her sanity--and her life. In this urgent quest, she must discover her inner strength, independence, and ability to be truly happy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dance of Despair, November 19, 2006

By 

Randall Ivey "Randall" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm Dancing As Fast As I Can (DVD)

The subject matter is obviously heavy and weighs the audience down as much as the protagonist, but this is a mostly successful (if highly earnest) adaptation of the famed memoir by prize-winning documentarian Barbara Gordon. With such a lukewarm endorsement, my five-star rating may seem unwarranted, but this movie deserves a wide audience for one reason, as far as I'm concerned, and that's Geraldine Page's stunning supporting turn as the cancer-ravaged poet about whom Gordon is producing her latest work. The scene in the hospital, when Page explodes at Clayburgh, for the sentimentality of the documentary, will raise all the hair on your body and is further proof of Page's greatness. That she was not nominated for an Academy Award for this lacerating performance is an irrevocable blight on the movie industry.

One day Page will get her due. Watch I'M DANCING AS FAST AS I CAN, with all its flaws, to see this acting genius at full throttle.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A struggle with early childhood pain and the stress of modern living., September 8, 2005

By 

T. L. Quesenberry, Jr. "70s & 80's horror fan" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I'm Dancing As Fast As I Can (DVD)

This movie requires insight and empathy for the lead character, otherwise it does appear the director did not adequately present what is the groundfloor to such addictions. However, there is alot of character development here for those who listen carefully. Barbara is tortured due to being unwanted and unloved and has used her career to cover it up along with Valium use. She finally hits rock bottom and gets treatment via examining the sources of her rage filled inner-self. This movie really stands out in memory from the 80's as a frank presentation of addiction, multiple competing roles, and the culture-of-Narcissm we live in and the sickness it can really create. It shows that "success" is merely another cover up, another addiction with some people. Lovinging oneself is unconditional if it is real and yes you "don't have to cripple yourself to be loved."

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Am Dancing As Fast As I am, December 15, 2001

By 

Julia E. Wissell (Windham New Hampshire Home NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm Dancing As Fast As I Can [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I lived her life and it is almost 20 years since I read the book and saw the movie and it still haunts me. Today I am fine, and I can say nothing more than that book really helped me to believe in myself.