Towards Mathilde 2005
Distributed by Grasshopper Film, 12 East 32nd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Produced by Pascal Caucheteux
Directed by Claire Denis
DVD , color, 84 min.
High School - General Adult
Dance
Date Entered: 08/02/2018
Reviewed by Barb Kundanis, Longmont Public Library, Longmont, COFilmmaker Claire Denis (Beau Travail, 35 Shots of Rum) follows the artistic process of Mathilde Monnier (Head of Montpelier National Centre for Choreography). Monnier discusses her philosophy throughout and we see how her modern dance pieces are constructed. Shot in Super 8 and Super 16, the film is up close and personal, sometimes with the feel of a home movie.
Beyond choreography, there is also the creation of the soundscape (music, spoken word) and the scenery/props (one dancer is wrapped by inner tubes). Monnier likes to experiment with movement and encourages the dancers to dig deep.
Viewers will enjoy being part of the rehearsal experience as Denis tries to capture the development of an artwork as it happens. Dancers/choreographers will be interested in the various aspects of bringing an idea to life and appreciate the commitment needed to make it performance.