Anyone who’s seen Yorgos Lanthimos’ Dogtooth surely remembers the iconic dance sequence. If you think that was absurd, wait till you get a chance to see ALPS. The choreography in this film is much more diverse and pivotal since one of the leading characters is a ballerina. You’ll get to see her improve through her practice routines, but you’ll also see plenty of mad people flailing their arms around aimlessly and octogenarians slow-dancing. Whoever is in charge of designing these sequences is a bona fide genius.
Personal story: During the Q&A session after the screening of the film at TIFF, I moved up to sit in the first row and asked Aggeliki Papoulia, the lead actress, a question about these dances. “Does Mr. Lanthimos make you dance like that, or are the dances so absurd because you can’t dance better?” I was trying to be cheeky of course, and the theatre obviously got the idea and laughed out loud. She responded, laughingly, with “Are you calling me a bad dancer?” and the director jokingly said that I’d insulted them. Though they obviously knew I was joking, I had an uneasy feeling that something might have gotten lost in translation and that I might have actually offended them. Luckily, as I was telling my friend about this suspicion outside the theatre, they came out the building. So I tapped Aggeliki on the shoulder and told her that I loved the dances and I was obviously kidding about their being bad. She, and her co-star Ariane Labed, were good sports and I felt a fool for doubting their English skills. And then, this happened.
Anyway, once I start dishing out my awards, you’ll see that the film features on the lists prominently, so if you get a chance to check it out, do not pass it up.
Sex Scene of the Year
Most Underracted Actor of the Year
Dog of the Year
Best Andy Serkis of the Year
Most Overrated Film of the Year
Alpha Male of the Year
City of the Year
Sexiest Actress of the Year
Best Scene of the Year
I haven't seen this one, alas. My physical award ends up being more stunt heavy than dance, but hey - hopefully we start a trend.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Alps (missed it during LFF), but I loved Dogtooth and the dance scene in it. I like the fact that you mentioned it- because Dogtooth is so striking, many people tend to forget about this one scene because there are so many others big ones. I really can't wait to see Alps. It won't probably as good as Dogtooth, but I believe it will be better than the majority of films.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and very unique! I love your blog and how you focus on things others don't notice
Amelie - thanks for reading and thanks for the compliment. And i actually think ALPS is as good as dogtooth. I had my doubts too, but it ended up exceeding my expectations though i admit it doesnt shock as much since we know now that lanthinos is kinda mad.
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