The Coolidge Corner Theatre

MUST END THURSDAY, FEB. 4, 2010

Yes, this is one of the finest dance films ever made, but there’s more to it than that. Its greater virtue, and the substance of Mr. Wiseman’s particular genius, is the way it transfixes you with the inner workings of an institution you may not otherwise care about. A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Fred Wiseman is one of the great living filmmakers. The author of some 40 films, his films represent for me a pinnacle of cinematic achievement....he is the undisputed king of misanthropic cinema. - Errol Morris

The Paris Opera Ballet is one of the world’s great ballet companies. The film follows the rehearsals and performances of seven ballets: Genus by Wayne McGregor, Le Songe de Medée by Angelin Preljocaj, La Maison de Bernarda by Mats Ek, Paquita by Pierre Lacotte, Casse Noisette by Rudolph Noureev, Orphée and Eurydice by Pina Bausch, and Romeo and Juliette by Sasha Waltz. The film shows the work involved in administering the company and the coordinated and collaborative work of choreographers, ballet masters, dancers, musicians, and costume, set, and lighting designers.

dir. Frederick Wiseman, documentary, English and French with English subtitles 2h38m