Flamenco

Flamenco

A brilliant masterpiece! Unfortunately I saw the last performance at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. I don’t usually go to films at 9:30 p.m. but this a film worth viewing at any hour. I can still hear that infectious music in my head and the visual image of the dancers was stupendous. Apparently it may come back in August. Watch for it. 

It was better than being at a concert because the dancers and musicians are in your face. The beat of the music is haunting. Much of the sound comes from tapping the fingers, clapping or snapping the fingers. The film opens to a set of life style portraits of Spanish dancers. Those pictures become the background for many of the dances.

The first dance was a rumba. It is so sensuous. The singers and guitar player added so much to the emotion.

In Alegria the clicking of the heels was amazing. The body gestures are severe and dramatic. The dancer had an austere look on her face.

The guitar was played in almost all the pieces. At times I had the feeling the musician was making love to the guitar. It was so beautiful in every sense.

A double piano presentation was spectacular. The two men communicated in music and also in facial looks.

The dances varied and so did the dancers. It was amazing to see an ‘older’ woman dance with such emotion and precision. She was slightly bulbous and not attractive in a Hollywood sense. Yet, when she danced she became beautiful and her dancing was amazing. It was lovely to see dancers of all ages performing.

The March Processional was haunting. All the dancers were covered in black veils and long black attire. There was a simple background and the whirling black costumes made for a dramatic impact.

This is an amazing film. The cinematography captures it all. The music and dance combine for a memorable performance.