AFI FEST Los Angeles International Film Festival 2009

Frederick Wiseman has devoted the past four decades to studying institutions, making classics such as HIGH SCHOOL (1968), LAW AND ORDER (1969) and PUBLIC HOUSING (1997). He resists simple interpretations of his work. “If I could summarize it in 25 words,” he says, “I shouldn’t make the movie.” His typical working method is to spend four to six weeks embedded in an institution, with his long-time cinematographer John Davey shooting on 16mm. While editing the material, Wiseman avoids narration or text cards, and doesn’t force the events into a simple narrative arc. In LA DANSE, Wiseman allows us to observe multiple corners of the Paris Opera Ballet, from rehearsal studios to costume rooms to administrative offices. We get extensive access to choreographers as they work with dancers in both classical and modern styles. You needn’t be a dance aficionado to marvel at the beauty and athleticism on display. And Wiseman doesn’t ignore the reality that all this art costs money.

–Thom Powers