Revealing documentary offering a backstage peek at the intense training, practice and choreography of the New York City Ballet.
The Film Stage
June 06, 2016
With its brisk pace and unique style, Ballet 422 is a cinematic gem that encapsulates the passion of two inspired artists, the one in front of the camera and the one behind it.
Since dance is so difficult to describe, there are some great expressions. My favourite is when Justin tells a performer a sequence is "not crispy enough." Thing is, you get what he means.
What makes Jody Lee Lipes documentary so interesting - even transfixing at times - is the fact that nothing is editorialized or explained. There are no interviews or voice-overs.
In this beautifully muted documentary by cinematographer-director Jody Lee Lipes, a New York City Ballet company dancer gets and takes a chance to create his own show.
There are few titles and no interviews or narration. Entire scenes go by without anyone speaking. Instead, Ballet 422 is a very intimate look at the process.
I have zero interest in ballet, but this film held my interest. It isn't so much about ballet itself, as much as it is about all the people involved in creating and presenting a ballet, and how they all work together so effectively.
