Movie Review: THE COMPANY

       MPAA Rating: PG 13 (slight nudity)

        Stars (Out of 10): 7 1/2

        One Word Summary: Brilliant

        Full Review:

       Legendary American director Robert Altman ("Nashville," "M*A*S*H", etc.) has once again found a unique social community to explore, one completely isolated from the so-called 'real world.'

       Here he reveals how everyday life is a very trivial way to pass the time when compared to a dancer's life in performance, on the brightly lit stage where time seems to stand still.Due to the exhaustive requirements of full-out ballet dancing, Altman was limited to a certain number of takes (usually one) per dance so he made use of Hi-Def video and multiple cameras to capture the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago as they conduct a 'sample' season of productions (10 numbers are performed - several in their entirety).

       Actress and former Canadian ballet dancer Neve Campbell (TV's "Party of Five," the "Scream" trilogy, etc.) not only had this project created so she could return to her dance roots (after a 10 year lay off), but took several years to train with the Joffrey Ballet so that she would fit into their 'family.' And fit in she does, performing a wonderful pas de deux during a lightning storm at an outdoor performance in Chicago's Grant Park.

       To keep this from being a flat-out ballet documentary, Altman has imbued the storyline with a slight romance (set to variations of the tune 'My Funny Valentine'), but it's importance is minimal to the overriding ideal that drives these young people - the DANCE.

       Relationships, parties, etc. merely fill time and relieve stress, but being on the stage (or in the rehearsal hall) is the only time that they are really alive. Altman also mixes in isolated 'solo' segments that highlight the dedication that this profession requires and how constant training not only improves technique, but also helps to stave off illness and the effects of aging.

       Another essential element that separates this film from being another PBS special is its use of humor. Insiders and non-dance audiences alike will certainly appreciate Altman's casting of Malcolm McDowell ("A Clockwork Orange") as 'Mr. A,' the mercurial company manager who's brusque, egotistical manner gets a lot of much-needed laughter into a film that normally would merit none.

       Last, but certainly not least, the 'real' company of dancers that put the magic into this movie are the 40 members of the Joffrey Ballet who work together as a single precision unit, so that if one person is injured another can immediately step in (even in the middle of a performance).

       The ten performances themselves are a smorgasbord of old and new pieces that demonstrate the versatility of these dancers, including their ability to overcome 'oddball' costuming (the final piece 'The Blue Snake' is a children's ballet that's way over-the-top).

       My only reservation about these dancers is that off-stage they lack to skills to convincingly act with veterans like Campbell & Mcdowell, though Altman's improvised dialogue keeps this distraction to a minimum.

       Still, this movie is a must-see for anyone that's ever considered a life as a dancer, and director Robert Altman has added in just enough entertainment elements to make this palatable for all audiences that are receptive to beauty in all its forms. Check this one out and Happy Viewing!

       The Bottom Line is that even you have no knowledge or appreciation of ballet, the varied dance numbers that incorporate music from Bach (recorded by Yo-Yo Ma) to Angelo Badalamenti (frequent David Lynch collaborator) will win you over to this film detailing the 'real' Lords of the dance (the tireless repertory dancers who turn 40 bodies into 1 performer!).

        Release Date: December 25, 2003

        Movie Length: 1:52

        Genre: Dance drama

        Cast: (Ry) Neve Campbell; (Mr. A) Malcolm McDowell; (Josh) James Franco

       Guest reviewer: Gary Cabana