Reset

Reset is an insightful French documentary film released in 2015. This stimulating cinematic feature is directed by Alban Teurlai and Thierry Demaizière. It showcases the fascinating world of ballet through the lens of its prodigious protagonist, Benjamin Millepied. It specifically tracks Millepied's attempt as the new director of the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the world's most prestigious ballet institutions.

The film showcases Benjamin Millepied, an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer, and reveals the prodigious talent and relentless dedication required to rise in the world of ballet. Former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet and choreographer of the Oscar-winning movie "Black Swan," Millepied made a shift from the stage to the director's chair, taking on the challenge of running an esteemed ballet company. His quest to redefine a storied institution and maintain its relevance in an ever-changing world forms the crux of Reset.

The documentary dives into Millepied's dedication to reinventing traditional ballet, from reworking classic choreographies to pushing the boundaries of music. His initial challenge as director is to choreograph and stage his first original ballet, "Clear, Loud, Bright, Forward." The title of the project suggests Millepied's overall approach: clarity in vision, loudness in expression, brightness in progression and forwarding in innovation. It is an in-depth journey that grants the audience access to the high-stakes world of professional ballet alongside an intimate view of Millepied's creative process as choreographer and leader.

Teurlai and Demaizière capture the essence of the Paris Opera Ballet, sharing intimate and captivating scenes of rehearsal and performance, injecting a human element into a world often associated with discipline and perfection. They successfully translate the hard work, precision, and patience it takes to stage a ballet from start to finish, including the physical and mental exhaustion dancers undergo. The film provides an organic and unbiased view of the realities that lie behind the grandeur of the performance night, highlighting the blood, sweat, and tears that give birth to an art of such elegance and beauty.

In addition to showcasing Millepied's creative portfolio, Reset also paints a portrait of the man behind the choreographer. It highlights his tenacity and dedication but also captures his vulnerabilities, doubts, and struggles as he navigates through this new role. His receptivity and adaptability reveal an artist grappling with the political and bureaucratic challenges of his post, alongside the artistic ones.

The film is beautifully complemented by hauntingly evocative orchestral scores that underscore the drama, tension, and beauty of the ballet world. Not the type to just explore the surface, Teurlai and Demaizière delve deep into the intricacies of this art world, detailing the discipline, focus, and emotional strength required to not just perform but create an unforgettable show.

Reset is more than just a ballet documentary. It resonates powerfully as a human story amidst spectacular backdrops and stunning sequences. It provides a fresh perspective on an innovative modern intensely working within a tradition-redolent institution, thus speaking volumes about the contrasts between tradition and modernity.

Breathtaking, poignant, and profoundly inspirational, Reset is a must-watch for everyone — not just dance enthusiasts. The enriching exploration of an artist's mind combined with the beautiful reporting of the breathtaking aesthetics of ballet makes for a compelling viewing experience. While the film encapsulates the art of dance, it also serves as a tribute to human resilience and the limitless potential that lies at the intersection of talent, dedication, and imagination. Reset is a testament to what can be accomplished when artistry and innovation work in tandem, conveying a universal message starring a fantastic world of grace, creativity, and passion.