I really enjoyed this movie. I admit that I watched one segment at a time, but I appreciated all three, for different reasons. The dancing is, of course, superior and unique to each segment. Kelly's lithe liquidity never undercuts his masculinity, and that we have so much of his dancing available through his filmography is a cultural treasure of the 20th century.
But there is muchMuchMUCH more here. Each segment has its own artistic presence.
In the first the Commedia dell'Arte is beautifully presented: what a joy it must have been for the costume designers. And the ensemble dancers were fabulous: the endless (I assume) hours of rehearsal are on the screen with absolutely perfect unison. And the story's poignancy brought an unexpected tear to my eye.
The second segment has really wonderful surreal set design that compliments the the somewhat downer story. There's some good ensemble work here, too. And solo piano by Andre Previn (still alive this 2021 Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!)
But it's the third part that is really unusual. It starts out with live action but enters an animation world that is truly unique; very avant garde for much of it. But you had me at Scheherazade!!!! The beauty of that music and its depth allows for the adaptation of it both subtle and substantial. There are some really neat animation visuals. And that Kid could danceDanceDANCE. That he kept up with Kelly is maybe the most entertaining aspect of the movies many entertaining moments.
Don't listen to the nay-sayers: they're dead to anything with class.
But there is muchMuchMUCH more here. Each segment has its own artistic presence.
In the first the Commedia dell'Arte is beautifully presented: what a joy it must have been for the costume designers. And the ensemble dancers were fabulous: the endless (I assume) hours of rehearsal are on the screen with absolutely perfect unison. And the story's poignancy brought an unexpected tear to my eye.
The second segment has really wonderful surreal set design that compliments the the somewhat downer story. There's some good ensemble work here, too. And solo piano by Andre Previn (still alive this 2021 Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!)
But it's the third part that is really unusual. It starts out with live action but enters an animation world that is truly unique; very avant garde for much of it. But you had me at Scheherazade!!!! The beauty of that music and its depth allows for the adaptation of it both subtle and substantial. There are some really neat animation visuals. And that Kid could danceDanceDANCE. That he kept up with Kelly is maybe the most entertaining aspect of the movies many entertaining moments.
Don't listen to the nay-sayers: they're dead to anything with class.