Never have ballet, the theatre, and film come together to produce such a masterpiece. Even if you hate ballet (I usually don't care for it), you'll enjoy this. What can no longer be denied in spite of all the critics', and even my own best efforts (to hide it from children) is the Prince's obvious homosexuality. The Swan in its two incarnations, and the swans in general are not, not at all. In fact, that "allure of the forbidden" undoubtedly adds to the attraction the Prince feels for the Swan. I feel I must say this because every article, comment or review I have read about this ground-breaking production vehemently denies its link with homosexuality. I've gone along with the very complicated explanations since this is really not a gay ballet. In fact, I didn't know ballet dancing could come off as classically masculine as it does in this production of SWAN LAKE. However, when eight and nine year old kids I saw it with last, saw right through the Prince's enchantment with the SWAN(s) in spite of my over-wrought explanations, it's time to cut the lines. The kids just wouldn't buy my explanations, and it was left at that: the Prince was gay, no big deal. The depiction of the Prince from his infancy right through to the end is that of the supreme wimp which kids are used to seeing. He has nocturnal dreams about a strong and virile male (animal or human). His mother is domineering, hyper-feminine, and competes with him even in his sex life. I don't think a 'gayer' male stereotype could be created? As I said, the Swan is definitely not gay, in either of his incarnations: good or bad. He's just appealing to all; I generally mean heterosexual women and gay men, but really to all who find him appealing. I think it's time somebody other than a child recognized this without resorting to the cerebral rationalizations usually given . He's good, he's powerful, he's tender, he can be evil, and can even get into S & M and incest. And so what? It sounds like something out the latest Christina Ricci movie. This production of SWAN LAKE is so full of wonderful details, pokes so much fun at the reigning British royals, and is just so thoroughly accessible to all, that if this plot adjustment was necessary to achieve this grand "whole", so be it. Never has this so-tirelessly and often-played ballet been so riveting. Indeed never have ballet, theatre, modern dance, and contemporary life been so well mixed together in one great film!
