The Dancer
La Bailarina
2000 · France, United Kingdom · 89 min
- Director
- Fred Garson
- Screenplay
- Luc Besson
- Producer
- Luc Besson
- Cinematography
- Thierry Arbogast
Cast
What it is about
The Dancer follows India Rey, a young mute dancer who has become a local favorite in Brooklyn. Through her movement and steps she teaches a group of children who adore her, and she wins the weekly dance contest at a large nightclub. Her ambition is to make the leap to a Broadway show, and the story follows her efforts to get there.
How it was made
Directed by Frédéric Garson, credited as Fred Garson in some listings, the film is a French and British co-production. Luc Besson produced it and is credited as co-writer with Jessica Kaplan. Thierry Arbogast handled the cinematography. Mia Frye leads a cast that includes Josh Lucas, Rodney Eastman, Féodor Atkine and the musician Cut Killer. It was shot in English as an independent-style project.
Reception and legacy
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2000. Shannon J. Harvey of Urban Cinefile called it an interesting independent project for Besson, adding that its short-lived melodrama should leave audiences wanting more. Richard Scheib of Moria gave it two and a half stars and criticized the ending and the dance numbers.
Stills
Trivia
Cannes premiere
The film was first shown at the Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2000.
A mute protagonist
India Rey is mute, and her character relies on movement and sign language to communicate.
Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (es) and Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.