Sauce

I make no bones about my lack of knowledge when it comes to dance. In fact most modern dance leaves me feeling confused and frustrated. Add to that the fact that the 80s were a period in my life that I spent many years trying to forget, and you have some pretty solid reasons why this film shouldn’t appeal to me.

A Chorus Line is the DVD release of the 1986 film by Richard Attenborough which is based on the Broadway musical of the same name. It features a cast of almost complete unknowns, and Michael Douglas in the typically grouchy and intense role of Zach the director/choreographer. The film covers the audition process for a group of dancers from initial cattle call to final cut, with a secondary storyline involving Zach’s ex partner Cassie, another dancer, returning to the stage. Through the auditions we get to know these dancers and their respective histories through either monologues or songs, and the whole thing moves along swiftly, carried by numerous dance numbers.

And it is these dance numbers that this show is all about. These are truly phenomenal dance pieces, which while somewhat dated in their choreography, are still as impressive today as they were twenty-one years ago. They are interestingly shot and lit, but most importantly they are tight! Even the most disinterested viewer would struggle not to be impressed by the sharpness and incredible flexibility of these dancers.

By the grand finale the dancing has reached its absolute pinnacle and you feel as if you have gone through the same ordeal as the characters. This film will certainly not be for everyone. It is long and occasionally tedious as well as being very dated and predictable. But the choreography combined with some stunning performers makes it hard to look away from.

DAVID QUINN