On Tour

On Tour is an enthralling French drama film released in 2010. Directed by Mathieu Amalric, the plot unfolds around an American Neo-Burlesque troupe traveling through France, exploring the nuances of their relationships with one another, their personal trajectories and their chosen path of artistic expression. Although primarily a road film and drama, On Tour exhibits a burst of naturalistic and energetic performances, contentious humor and emotional profundity, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

The film boasts an international cast, including Miranda Colclasure, Suzanne Ramsey, and Dirty Martini, who portray themselves besides a handful of professional actors. These performers are not mainstream actresses but real-life burlesque dancers who spin their enchantment through the art of performance, thereby adding authenticity to the story’s premise.

Miranda Colclasure, known by her stage name Mimi Le Meaux, imparts a captivating performance as a spirited and confident burlesque performer. Suzanne Ramsey, who performs under the pseudonym “Kitten on the Keys,” is noted for her unique combination of vintage styles, resulting in an alluring blend of comedy and burlesque. Dirty Martini, a prominent figure in the Neo-Burlesque scene, known for her extravagant performances and glamorous persona, also takes center stage.

The plot of On Tour primarily revolves around Joachim, a former television producer played by none other than the director himself, Mathieu Amalric. Having burned his bridges in the television industry in Paris, Joachim takes a bold step by managing a troupe of American Neo-Burlesque performers, fervently staking retrogression as progression. As the troupe's manager, Joachim leads them on a diverse tour of France's provincial port cities, combating an array of obstacles—logistical nightmares, grumpy hotel staff, language barriers, and disrespectful audiences.

Despite the setbacks, the troupe continues to charm their audiences with their spellbinding performances. The show displays a strident feminist tone, emphasizing the power of these women who unabashedly expose their bodies and flaunt their individuality, echoing their freedom, resilience, and their ability to dominate any platform, however unconventional it may be.

On Tour explores themes of solitude, disappointment, and redemption with Joachim's character - a man battling inner demons and finding solace in the joyous uproar of the tour. His relationship with the troupe complicates as he struggles to handle the administrative exigencies of the tour, battles his increasing financial pressures, and grapples to mend his strained familial bonds.

Interestingly, the film opts for a semi-improvised approach, exploring with unscripted scenes, thus generating a distinct sense of realism. The glamour and glitz of the burlesque world fuse well with the mundane realities of life on the road, making the film a captivating watch.

The cinematography is rich and detailed, ranging from the vibrant lights and colorful costumes adorning the stage, to the gritty streets and cold hotel rooms. The music, centered around the electric beats of burlesque, but peppered with melancholic melodies, serves as an emotional compass leading us through the peaks and troughs of the narrative's rhythm.

Against the backdrop of numerous forgotten French port towns and the hard-edge glamour of American Neo-Burlesque, the film presents distinctive portraits of the performers, who, despite societal scrutiny, find empowerment and camaraderie in their unique art form. This dedication to their craft transforms their performances, making them all the more alluring and their off-stage moments all the more compelling.

On Tour offers a remarkable mix of entertainment, drama, and a visceral exploration of human emotions. It navigates the various challenges encountered by an unconventional troop, the interpersonal dynamics within such a group, and the resulting impact on their performances and personal lives. The performers' magnetic personalities, coupled with their audacious performances, breathe life into an often misunderstood art form, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the world of Burlesque.

To sum it up, On Tour is a power-packed, emotional roller-coaster ride that captures the lives of burlesque performers, their triumphs, their challenges and above all, their unwavering commitment to their craft. It triumphantly embraces the glamour as well as the grungy aspects of life on the road, resulting in a deeply touching, humorous, and genuinely inspiring saga of human resilience and creativity.