Attention all dance lovers! Film Movement has reissued the 1972 documentary about Rudolf Nureyev, I AM A DANCER, in an upgraded HD version which makes the film seem as fresh and engaging as the original.
Directed by French film-maker Pierre Jourdan, I AM A DANCER focuses on Nureyev’s life and work, with emphasis on his iconic performances with his longtime partner, Margot Fonteyn. There are also generous excerpts from the ballets he danced with Deanne Bergsma, Carla Fracci and Lynn Seymour. With a narration written by John Percival and spoken by Bryan Forbes, I AM A DANCER provides a unique glimpse into Nureyev’s personality, preparation and technique.
Nureyev was at the height of his powers in 1972. Having recently defected from the Soviet Union, the 22-year-old dancer joined the Royal Ballet in England, where he teamed up with Fonteyn. More than twice his age, she was still able to match his energy, drive and dazzling technique, as evidenced by the performance of “Marguerite and Armand” captured in the DVD.
As much as
Nureyev admired and respected Fonteyn, he still continued to seek out
other partners, especially those who were rooted in the American dance
world. “I love classical dance,” he explained, “but I wanted
to expand my range and investigate modern dance.” He did just that
in 1975 when he joined Martha Graham’s company.
Nureyev was in awe of Graham; she in turn was thrilled by his physicality
and charm, his hunger for movement. “Martha described him as a voracious
animal, always willing to take chances, go to the edge,” said Terese
Capucilli, an ex-Graham dancer who is one of many talking heads in I AM
A DANCER.
The documentary alternates between Nureyev’s stage performances and
his off-stage work: long hours of rehearsal which demonstrate his commitment
and passion. “I dance my best when I’m tired and get my second
wind,” he stated in one interview. “My life is dance, I live
in my suitcase, traveling to one recital after another, in cities like
New York, London, Paris and Brussels.”
Jourdan’s cinematic portrait of Nureyev is a memorable and ground-breaking
one. It paved the way for such other illustrious dance documentaries as
Pina Bausch’s “Pina” and Alla Kovgan’s “Cunningham.”
(Filmmovement.com)