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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I first saw this film of Tchaikovsky's ballet when I was a kid. Back then, I had found it enchanting. Watching it again, when it was first issued on dvd, I felt quite disappointed. Re-viewing it now, -a little more objectively, I think,- I find enough reasons to recommend it, though I would not suggest that this should be anybody's first or one-and-only Swan Lake.
First of all, this is a film, made in a studio and meant to be seen on a very large screen. The spectacle is much less impressive on a TV screen, -even a large one. This becomes particularly annoying whenever Fonteyn is dancing. Being much older than her co-star, the ballerina had asked for no close-ups, hoping to appear more youthful when filmed from a distance. Still, on the big screen you could see her face and expressions clearly. On a Tv screen most of the time you have to guess.
To continue with the shortcomings, the corps de ballet employed comes from the Vienna State Opera and is definitely second-rate. There are some fine moments here and there, but mostly things are average or even less than that.
I've allready mentioned that Fonteyn was past her prime when this film was made and the choreography was, understandably, adapted so as not to expose her declining abilities. There are still some weak moments, especially in the 2nd act. Her movements are generally slower and her balance seems to be somewhat insecure, but overall the emphasis is placed on her elegance, style and fascinating personality, -all of which are very much in evidence. Combine that with the dancing you see in her older films (in different parts, as no other Swan Lake of hers has been preserved, as far as I know,) and you can understand what a marvellous Odete she must have been in the 1950s.
Under the circumstances, the real star of the film is the young Rudolf Nureyev. Perhaps because he was aware of the fact that he was not a "natural" Siegfried, -the part is usually the property of the "noble" dancers,- Nureyev makes an effort to behave in a more "prince-like" fashion, at least in the mime sections. Unfortunately that comes across as effeminate and his atrocious make-up makes things even worse.
Thank God, all that is quickly forgotten when he actually starts dancing. His solo moments exhibit the bravura and breath-taking ability which made him the most famous dancer of his time, while in his dancing with Fonteyn we witness that special chemistry that existed between the two of them. The connection is not like an electric current (as it has been described at times), but more like a warm glow that unites the couple in a partnership of love. I found it truly touching.
First of all, this is a film, made in a studio and meant to be seen on a very large screen. The spectacle is much less impressive on a TV screen, -even a large one. This becomes particularly annoying whenever Fonteyn is dancing. Being much older than her co-star, the ballerina had asked for no close-ups, hoping to appear more youthful when filmed from a distance. Still, on the big screen you could see her face and expressions clearly. On a Tv screen most of the time you have to guess.
To continue with the shortcomings, the corps de ballet employed comes from the Vienna State Opera and is definitely second-rate. There are some fine moments here and there, but mostly things are average or even less than that.
I've allready mentioned that Fonteyn was past her prime when this film was made and the choreography was, understandably, adapted so as not to expose her declining abilities. There are still some weak moments, especially in the 2nd act. Her movements are generally slower and her balance seems to be somewhat insecure, but overall the emphasis is placed on her elegance, style and fascinating personality, -all of which are very much in evidence. Combine that with the dancing you see in her older films (in different parts, as no other Swan Lake of hers has been preserved, as far as I know,) and you can understand what a marvellous Odete she must have been in the 1950s.
Under the circumstances, the real star of the film is the young Rudolf Nureyev. Perhaps because he was aware of the fact that he was not a "natural" Siegfried, -the part is usually the property of the "noble" dancers,- Nureyev makes an effort to behave in a more "prince-like" fashion, at least in the mime sections. Unfortunately that comes across as effeminate and his atrocious make-up makes things even worse.
Thank God, all that is quickly forgotten when he actually starts dancing. His solo moments exhibit the bravura and breath-taking ability which made him the most famous dancer of his time, while in his dancing with Fonteyn we witness that special chemistry that existed between the two of them. The connection is not like an electric current (as it has been described at times), but more like a warm glow that unites the couple in a partnership of love. I found it truly touching.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I think I am being generous with an award of three stars for this performance, Nureyev's choreography is nothing short of an excuse to make sure a camera was always pointed at him.The only real saving grace to the DVD is Margot Fonteyn,past her best she may have been,but still she had it in her to carry this show.Rothbart was meant to be a falcon,but he looked like a turkey almost ready for the pot.
I didn't realise that even back then these shows were especially done for TV or Cinema thus making what the Director wanted the Director got.John Lanchbery also score's pretty low on this recording,in many parts of the music I was awaiting a climax,only for the music to dribble away into nothing.
I cannot in my heart recommend this as a Swan Lake worth buying and remember, there are many DVDs of this Ballet,most of which are better than this one.
I didn't realise that even back then these shows were especially done for TV or Cinema thus making what the Director wanted the Director got.John Lanchbery also score's pretty low on this recording,in many parts of the music I was awaiting a climax,only for the music to dribble away into nothing.
I cannot in my heart recommend this as a Swan Lake worth buying and remember, there are many DVDs of this Ballet,most of which are better than this one.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I love this version of Swan Lake. Nureyev with his over the top stage makeup, blue eye shadow, fushia lipstick looking as beautiful as Marilyn Monroe, and Fonteyn now aged 47, her haunted black eyes and bony face expressing every emotion. Every time they danced together it was beautiful and magical, they created the "otherworld". I don't think you can compare this version with modern productions, there is no point! The only part I don't like is when Siegfried drowns at the end.........but then I'm a true romantic and like a happy ending!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
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The cor d'ballet is awful. The costumes and sets are atrocious. The choreography (Nureyev's variation is bizzare and troublesome). Read more
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