Ghostlight

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.

This film accurately portrays Graham's life as seen by the people who knew her best. It is a first-person biography done by people who worked with her. It is also very entertaining. So, it is a must-see for anyone interested in entertainment/art history, especially for those who missed seeing Graham work while she was still alive. Don't miss it! The performance of the lead roll has been reviewed as "Camp". This could be considered a valid criticism until you begin to consider who else might have done the subject matter better justice. Madonna was mentioned as the star but the match of her persona to Martha is a bit off-key. Who better to play her than a person who has studied her and made a career of impersonating her. Hats off to Christopher Herrmann for making this work!

I loved this film, it's portrayal of Martha Graham (by Richard Move) was both reverent and camp. I was fascinated by the cinematography, and the recreation of what appeared to be very old footage was amazing. The dance sequences are dazzling. Christopher Herrmann's brilliant direction allows us a very intimate look at Martha the legend. His personal relationship with Martha offers a glimpse into Martha's off stage personna that is drawn from the heart and written with poignancy and humor. This film also offers a glimpse back into the 70's with wonderful character actors recreating the gliterati of those years. Despite some uneven moments, this first film from Mr. Herrmann and Ms. Fearon will make a wonderful addition to your DVD collection. It is sure to become a cult classic.

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.

Wasn't quite sure what GHOSTLIGHT was all about when I went to see it at the Tribeca Film Festival last year and was totally blown away by the picture. Really enjoyed watching Richard Move's portrayal of Martha Graham -- and think Martha would, too. Lots of emotional moments, tears and a surprising number of belly laughs! Was very impressed with photography and photographic direction. Some "documentary" footage was so realistic that a number of viewers walked away assuming that it actually was. Am looking forward to the soundtrack CD -- the original score is absolutely beautiful. All in all, a very moving and satisfying movie experience.