Ghostlight (2003) Reviews

• Riotous view of NYC dance scene and terrific Graham homage by Richard Move!

  mgrahamcoleman2005-02-02

  Writer/director/producer Chris Herrmann's interviews at the time this film was released indicate that he was one of Martha Graham's last employees and confidantes, and his affection for the modern dance giant is evident in this frothy homage to Graham and the woozy NYC art/dance world of the late 20th century. Showcasing a hysterical (and surprisingly touching) performance by Richard Move as the legendary "Martha" (legends don't need surnames, after all) and co-starring downtown performance powerhouse Ann Magnuson as the intrepid reporter out to "docu" her, Herrmann keeps us moving on a whirlwind tour around Manhattan, with tasty cameos from Debbie Harry (shopping for important jewelry, no less!), Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Morris, among others. The crowd at the Tribeca Film festival loved this one and you will too!

• An original and intriguing portrait of a creative genius at the end of her career

  fiona-morris2005-02-03

  This film is an original and intriguing portrait of Martha Graham one of the most visionary founders of modern contemporary dance. Featuring an extraordinary central performance by Richard Move as Martha in her later years. The film manages to convey the drive, ambition and obstinacy of this enormous creative force now challenged by age, financial difficulties and a rapidly changing world. Directed and co written by Chris Herrmann, shot on Super 16mm, the film mimics the form of a documentary profile but is beautifully shot and gives a great insight into the ongoing innate drama of this great artist's life. The film which opened the Tribeca Film Festival was also presented at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic and will shortly be issued on DVD - A definite must for all dance aficionado's and art film audiences alike.

• Ghostlight, a biopic of the life and work of Martha Graham

  TeddyLA2005-02-02

  I saw "Ghostlight" at the Mill Valley Film Festival last year. It was one of the most innovative, provocative and inspiring art films I've seen in a long time. Richard Move was a brilliant casting idea from Director, Christopher Herrmann. His performance of Martha was uncanny and I immediately bought into the fact that a man was playing her and suspended my disbelief. I thought the recreated archival film of Martha Graham was brilliant, on the level of Woody Allen's Zelig. The film was both funny, poignant and educational. I thought Ann Magunson's Character really brought focus to the film and she's never looked hotter. Her character, a filmmaker, follows Martha and captures what may be the diva's last ballet. Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Morris were wonderful as well. I could have done without the Deborah Harry cameo, it seem a little tacked on. The acting in some of the smaller roles, especially some of the dancers in "Martha's" company were a bit amateurish but I felt the same about Altman's "The Company" so I guess this can be expected when dancers are asked to act. Eric Kastel, who plays James, Martha's company manager and rock, got much better as the film when on. He was weak in the beginning and he took me out of the film a few times. By the end of the "Ghostlight" I was quite moved by the message of the sacrifice that a true genius makes for his or her art. The cinematography was stunning, using a mixture of B&W film for the flashbacks of Martha's marriage and breakup with Eric Hawkins and the lush 35mm color film for the stage performance scenes. The film has several layers to it and each one has it's own look and feel. Not sure I should comment on other reviews but that guy SonnyKUSA who said that the film was made in conjunction with the Martha Graham Estate should get his facts straight. I noticed the film had a disclaimer at the end of the credits that says, "This film is in no way connected to the Martha Graham Entities" he also says the film was shot on video, huh??? Has anyone noticed that the user rating on ghostlight is 5 stars and almost everyone who made comments and voted gave it 9 or 10 stars? Doesn't that seem strange? It must be an IMDb error. IMDb will you correct this?

• A unique look at an extraordinary life.

  rlor2005-02-03

  To be honest, I was peripherally involved with this production early on. My initial reaction to the notion of a dance legend played in drag, a sumptuous life filmed on a shoestring, a crazy-quilt chronology that inexplicably shifts time and tempo, and more dance per frame than any film since The Red Shoes, was no way! This is never gonna work! Well, guess what kids? It does! And beautifully! Seeing it on the big screen with a tough, discerning New York audience dispelled all doubts. The laughs were hearty, the dance editing and music were powerful and my overall experience ran the gamut from genuine surprise to extreme satisfaction with the rich characterizations and compelling storytelling. Congratulations to all. Looking back on my initial negative prejudgement, I've never been so happy to be so wrong.

• Who'd a thunk it? But it works!

  bicho72005-02-02

  A friend convinced me to see Ghostlight at the Tribeca Festival in '03. A cross- dressed Martha Graham bio pic? Come on! I walked in wondering if the film would fall into the Gimmick of the Year category - or just the Bad Idea category. Well hush my mouth. Friends, we've got us a whole new category here: Ghostlight is a gem - a daring idea pulled off with humor and style by a talented director and an improbable (but very talented) actor. The cast is even and commendable, but overwhelmed by Richard Move as MG. That's probably as it should be. Graham was nothing if not overwhelming. Move manages not so much to portray his character as to bring her back from the dead. The effect is a bit eerie at first, but you soon get used to it and the film is entirely engrossing. It's a very smart - and successful - approach to a difficult problem. (Who would you cast as Martha Graham? It can't be done!) The director - Christopher Herrmann - deserves credit for his vision and for his nerve. Well, it's like this: If you never met Martha Graham, this is your chance. Ghostlight is a touching and memorable film - with a clever twist. Highly recommended.