Cunningham

Cunningham is a uniquely exhilarating cinematic exploration of the life and work of venerable choreographer Merce Cunningham, a seminal figure in modern dance. This visually arresting documentary is unleashed upon the world in 2019 by director Alla Kovgan, who magnificently pipes into the celebrated choreographer's artistic process and the creative genius of his avant-garde dance company.

The film spans three decades, from the 1940s to 1970s, witnessing the evolution of Cunningham’s trailblazing choreography. It delves into the early years of Merce Cunningham's career in post-war New York until he reached the pinnacle of acclaim as one of the most innovative figures in dance. This period saw Cunningham developing a completely unique language of dance, detached from the traditional stories, and instead infused with the novel energy of abstraction.

The film's striking aspect is its brilliantly built scenes that evoke Cunningham's groundbreaking productions, blending novelty and vibrancy. The meticulously constructed 3D reconstructions of a curated selection of Cunningham’s choreography immerse the audiences in a revolutionary form of dance. Whether it's on a shimmering rooftop, bustling street, or minimalist studio, each performance exudes an otherworldly vibe, and Cunningham's choreography takes center stage.

The title roles are performed by original company members and modern dancers, offering a mesmerizing tapestry of motion and style. Dancers such as Carolyn Brown and Ashley Chen embody Cunningham's dance philosophy with passion and precision, demonstrating the complex choreographic inventions. With no reserved script, the dancers' performances speak volumes about Cunningham and his mesmerizing creations.

A prominent figure in the unhurried universe of Cunningham was his longtime collaborating partner and renowned composer, John Cage. Cage played a pivotal role in shaping the idiosyncratic style of Cunningham’s choreography. His unconventional, thundering, delicate, and sometimes uncanny music compositions magnified the abstract narrative of Cunningham's dance, allowing viewers to journey through a terrain of sound and emotion.

Visually impactful and energetically captivating, Kovgan intersperses never-before-seen archival footage with the intricately staged performances, giving the viewers front-row seats into Cunningham’s artistic process. It is peppered with unforgettable snapshots of the choreographer at work, hinting at his tenacity, perfectionism, and the revolutionary vision that marked his career.

Moreover, the film dishes out glimpses of dancers in the rehearsals, talking and laughing, appearing wholly human in contrast to the superhuman grace and skill that they exhibit on stage. The insightful interviews define the film's emotional undertone, bringing out the commitment, pain, joy, and hard work behind the creation of every move.

Although Cunningham is a tribute to a balletic titan, it doesn’t assume the viewers to be dance connoisseurs. Regardless of your familiarity with ballet or this iconic choreographer, the movie's artistic essence, enchanting performances, and effortless narrative make this a highly accessible and enjoyable viewing.

Kovgan has created a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of performing arts, encompassing the contagious enthusiasm for creative risk that defined Merce Cunningham’s career. It captures expression through bodies in motion, framed by a meticulously detailed and poignant exploration of the choreographer's private universe.

In addition to charting Cunningham's artistic evolution, the film also sheds light on his personal life, his romantic relationship with Cage, and the exhilarating cultural milieu they influenced and were influenced by. Without delving into deeper biographical criticism, the film remains a respectful and awe-inspiring homage to one of the art world's most influential performers.

Cunningham is a balletic blaze of glory, a film that swirls, leaps, and pirouettes its way into the hearts and minds of its viewers. Its elegant narrative delivers a rich and captivating lens into the world of dance, the workings of an artistic genius, and the timeless beauty of human expression.

More than a documentary, Cunningham strikes a balance between biography, performance art, and a tribute to an illustrious career. It encapsulates the life's work of a man who believed in the power of dance and his indomitable spirit. A must-see for dance lovers and anyone who appreciates art's transformative power, Cunningham compels viewers to ponder the world in motion and our existence within it.