‘La Danse’ to Open MN Film Arts Season

‘LA DANSE’ TO OPEN MN FILM ARTS SEASON

AT NEW ST.ANTHONY MAIN SCREEN; CALLED

“ONE OF FINEST DANCE FILMS EVER MADE” 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN---

          Prize-winning documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman’s sumptuous new look, “La Danse,” at one of the world’s great dance companies, the Paris Opera Ballet, will open at Minnesota Film Arts St. Anthony Main screen Friday, Jan. 29, for an extended daily run, kicking off MFA’s new screen.

        Called “one of the finest dance films ever made,” (A.O. Scott, New York Times), the 2 1/2 hour portrait delves not only into the world of classical ballet and modern dance, but also offers an insider’s look beyond the stage at what makes an arts institution tick. The living “ecosystem” of labyrinthine underground studios, sewing rooms, cafeterias, and fund-raising administrative offices reveal the inner workings of this venerable French institution that supports a most elusive and mesmerizing art. 

      (For Minnesotans, whose body language at the moment remains seasonally frozen, the movements of the film’s elegant dancers and its choreography will energize even the most sclerotic viewer who ever wished to get into better shape.)

      Though it is more than just a dance film itself, Wiseman’s unobtrusive verite lens offers intimate access to such repertory classics as “The Nutcracker” and “Paquita” are remounted for a new generation.

      He patiently observes the rehearsal rooms as well as the vast Palais Garnier and its opulent Marc Chagall ceiling, his dancer-athletes transfixing the viewer in long takes of “Medea,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “The House of Bernardo Alba” among others. The film features choreography by Pina Bausch, Rudolf Nureyev, Wayne McGregor and Mats Ek. Among feature stars in ample view are Aurelie Dupont,Laetitia Pujol,Nicolas LeRiche,Marie-Agnes Gillot and Agnes Letestu.

     Screen times: Fri., Sat., Sun., 12:45, 4 and 7:30 pm; Mon. thru Thurs. 4 and 7:30.

     Following “La Danse”, Minnesota Film Arts February titles will include a range of recent documentaries and features. (MFA’s longtime digs at Oak St. Cinema recently have been exchanged for the near-Downtown St. Anthony Main locale, for free parking reasons among others as well being the flagship venue of the upcoming two-week Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival (Apr.15 opening).

     On tap through next month are “That Evening Sun ”(starring Hal Holbrook); “Waiting for Armageddon” (America, Israel and the apocalypse); “Collapse” and “Yes Men Fix the World” (lively economics tutorials); “The Sun” (Alexander Sukurov’s acclaimed feature on Japan and Emperor Hirohito); “My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done” (the edgy new Werner Herzog), and “Troubled Water” (intense Norwegian drama). Details on website: www.Mnfilmarts.org .

     St. Anthony Main Theater is located at 125 Main St. SE (Mpls. 55414) Tickets are $5 for MFA Members, $5.50 for Matinées (shows before 6pm), $8.50 for General Audiences, $6.00 for Students/Seniors/Children.  Free parking is available with a theater ticket in the nearby St. Anthony ramp (a covered walkway off 2^nd Ave & 2^nd St. leads to the theater).  

Check MFA website: www.mnfilmarts.org or call 612 331-7563 for further information and upcoming programs at the new MFA venue.