The Red Shoes (1948)
Nominated for 5 Academy Awards:
Best Picture
Best Writing, Motion Picture Story
Best Editing
Best Music, Scoring (WON)
Best Art Direction, Color (WON)
This has got to be one of the most intellectual films I have
seen in a while. I chose it because I knew it had a great reputation, I had
heard it was visually delightful… and I also knew it’s one of Martin Scorsese’s
favourite films ever. And, while I didn’t care too much for the characters or
the love story, this is exceptional filmmaking.
Of course, I would’ve loved some better character
development and for the ending to go in a different direction, but this is
remarkably well put together, and it does feel like a trailblazer for many
other films. Some movies from that era carry a certain phoniness, but not this
one. You can tell the two directors had a clear vision and it’s all business.
The editing is very efficient, the camera work is SUPERB (Jack Cardiff!) and
the set design remarkable.
I am not one to care for ballet, but the 15-minute Red
Shoes ballet extravaganza in the middle of the film is to die for, and the
reason why I rate this quite high. The first half is a visual feast and I wish
the picture would’ve stayed in the same artistic mood until the very end.
I give it: 8.5/10
Ugh, I tried to give this one a go while reviewing the 1948 lineup, but I wasn't able to make it past the first half hour or so. I remember it starting off quite slowly. I'll revisit it and sit through the whole thing eventually.
RăspundețiȘtergereI think I was curious from the very beginning, so I hang on. But yes, it's not the most exciting story. However, the very long ballet scene at mid-point is quite amazing.
Ștergere