
Is Lindsay Dances - Theatre and life according to Lindsay Kemp Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)
A documentary that collects for the first time and in an almost anthological way the historical repertoire of the Lindsay Kemp Company's shows, from the end of the 70s to the 90s. With footage from the Rai Teche and private archives, and an intimate and touching unpublished interview conducted by the director in her home in Livorno. The documentary is unique in its kind because it collects for the first time in an almost anthological way the repertoire of the shows of the glorious Lindsay Kemp Company from Salome to Flowers, from A Midsummer Night's Dream to Duende and Onnagata, up to the last show Kemp Dances. Lindsay Dances celebrates one of the most original, creative, and innovative artists in contemporary dance theatre. The documentary was nominated by Rai for the 72nd edition of the Prix Italia 2020.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then Lindsay Dances - Theatre and life according to Lindsay Kemp offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2020 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Lindsay Dances - Theatre and life according to Lindsay Kemp, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A documentary that collects for the first time and in an almost anthological way the historical repertoire of the Lindsay Kemp Company's shows, from the end of the 70s to the 90s. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A documentary that collects for the first time and in an almost anthological way the historical repertoire of the Lindsay Kemp Company's shows, from the end of the 70s to the 90s. With footage from the Rai Teche and private archives, and an intimate and touching unpublished interview conducted by the director in her home in Livorno. The documentary is unique in its kind because it collects for the first time in an almost anthological way the repertoire of the shows of the glorious Lindsay Kemp Company from Salome to Flowers, from A Midsummer Night's Dream to Duende and Onnagata, up to the last show Kemp Dances. Lindsay Dances celebrates one of the most original, creative, and innovative artists in contemporary dance theatre. The documentary was nominated by Rai for the 72nd edition of the Prix Italia 2020."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Lindsay Kemp does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.
The direction by Rita Rocca is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 60 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Lindsay Dances - Theatre and life according to Lindsay Kemp truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Lindsay Dances - Theatre and life according to Lindsay Kemp explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Rita Rocca respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Lindsay Dances - Theatre and life according to Lindsay Kemp is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Lindsay Kemp or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lindsay Dances - Theatre and life according to Lindsay Kemp is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.