Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

Nutcracker: The Motion Picture is a spellbinding 1986 film adaptation of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, "The Nutcracker". Orchestrated by the Pacific Northwest Ballet and narrated by celebrated actress Julie Harris, it merges ballet's expressive storytelling with enchanting visuals and the moving power of Tchaikovsky's iconic score to invite audiences into a dream world of dancing figurines and holiday magic.

The lead role of Clara, the vivacious and curious protagonist, is masterfully portrayed by Vanessa Sharp, whose youthful energy and excellent ballet technique bring life and relatability to the character. The Nutcracker Prince, a figure woven from Clara's dreams and desires, is embodied by Hugh Duncan Bigney Mitchell, whose charisma, grace and strength make the Prince's journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets a captivating watch.

The film opens on Christmas eve at the Stahlbaum house, where the family is hosting their annual Christmas party. Amid the cheerful hustle and bustle of the festivities, a mysterious guest, Drosselmeyer - portrayed by the late Maurice Sendak - captivates young Clara's imagination with a wooden nutcracker doll. As the clock strikes midnight, the extraordinary sequence of events begins, leading Clara on an unforgettable journey.

A unique aspect of this film is that it departs from the traditional stage setting of the ballet and instead adopts the more cinematic framework of a feature film. There are no audiences, no stages, no curtains. Instead, the camera roams freely, going close-up to the dancers' expressions, gliding above the swirling snow, and tracking action in ways a live audience could never experience. Director Carroll Ballard's focus is on the total immersion of the viewer, facilitating an intimate and dynamic experience that transforms viewers from spectators into participants.

Yet, despite these innovative choices, the heart of this Nutcracker adaptation remains the ballet itself, narrated through the astonishing choreography of Kent Stowell and danced by the formidable Pacific Northwest Ballet company. This movie uses no dialogue – instead, the story is told entirely through the art of dance and the emotive power of body language. The dances range from elegant solos to mesmerizing group numbers, encompassing a variety of styles, from classical ballet to more contemporary techniques.

The costumes and set designs are another highlight of the film, paying homage to the illustrations of Maurice Sendak, who is well-known for his children's book "Where the Wild Things Are". Sendak's unique visual language brings an added depth and wonder to this world of make-believe, infusing a dream-like quality to scenes and characters that make the film both engaging and visually appealing to a wide range of viewers, from young kids to adults.

Sonically, the film is a treat for the ears, as it boasts an original recording of Tchaikovsky's beautiful music, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Every note, every chord, every crescendo fuels the narrative, accompanying Clara and her Nutcracker on their magical adventure, and pulling the viewers into their spellbinding story.

On a deeper level, this particular incarnation of the Nutcracker story subtly explores themes of childhood dreams, growth, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood, combined with the seasonal theme of holiday joy and magic. It reminds viewers of the fanciful dreams that dance in their minds during childhood and the optimism that colors early experiences of the world, making it a heartwarming watch during the Christmas season.

Offering a unique twist to a classic tale, Nutcracker: The Motion Picture is sure to fascinate ballet aficionados and film enthusiasts alike. Its high-quality performances, impressive set designs, and the poignant score make it a cinematic gem, turning Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet into a mesmerizing experience. Whether you’re a longstanding fan of the Nutcracker Ballet or a newcomer to Clara’s story, this film will surely captivate and delight you. It is perhaps one of the most extraordinary and imaginative adaptations of the Nutcracker story ever produced, a whimsical experience that celebrates the magic of the Christmas season, the beauty of dance, and the boundless realm of the human imagination.