To develop a major literary work into a long ballet performance is not an easy task--especially if you are a perfectionist like Maya Plisetskaya or any Bolshoi dancer. But the real challenge is capturing the evocative dance from head to toe on camera and using tools like editing to make the end product delectable. I saw the film some 20 years ago in India and I still remember the images married to the music.
Director Pilikhina, a cinematographer herself, and her main cinematographer Papayan seem to weave magic. It is a great ballet, intelligent cinema, and offers wonderful music (Aram Kachaturian's Sabre Dance conducted by Rodion Schedrin is the highlight of the film with the dance captured in vibrant sepia)!
This film is only recommended for those who can appreciate good ballet, superb classical music, intelligent camerawork and creative editing. If you like these, this film is one of the best examples of how to capture dance on film and make the experience even better than a live one, thanks to the editor and camerapersons.
Director Pilikhina, a cinematographer herself, and her main cinematographer Papayan seem to weave magic. It is a great ballet, intelligent cinema, and offers wonderful music (Aram Kachaturian's Sabre Dance conducted by Rodion Schedrin is the highlight of the film with the dance captured in vibrant sepia)!
This film is only recommended for those who can appreciate good ballet, superb classical music, intelligent camerawork and creative editing. If you like these, this film is one of the best examples of how to capture dance on film and make the experience even better than a live one, thanks to the editor and camerapersons.