Grand Jeté

As a kid watching 'Siskel and Ebert at the Movies', I loved Roger Eberts description that movies take you to places you've never been and introduce you to people and lives you'll never encounter.

This movie fits that description freakishly well.

While it's a very watchable film, the characters come across as the last 3 survivors on earth ( there are NO supporting characters) and while fascinating to watch, their personalities fail to elicit any sympathy. I didn't like the characters; I didn't dislike the characters; but I was still too far removed to develop any empathy for anyone.

And for a movie set in Berlin, I expected at least some scenes of architecture, culture, etc, but alas, whereas I met characters I normally wouldn't meet, I never felt that I was traveling anywhere outside of 3-4 studio sets that could have been filmed anywhere.

Another European mood piece. Inferred narrative, incessant close-ups, panning, tracking, and angled camera shots, minimal dialogue. It's all here, quite claustrophobic and irritating. Many are talking about the daring incest plotline; to be honest, if the characters hadn't casually mentioned the mother/son relationship (about three times), I would never have known; it's handling is quite subtle, there's no indication in their behavior that distinguish this from student/teacher, or simply older/younger. Dialogue is so sparse (generally no more than two lines exchanged between characters at any given time), one can't be sure what's going on in the story; the last 20-30 minutes of the film has no conversations, none; we're treated to a little twist, fade to white, it's months later, and our two characters never exchange a single word, or share a real moment to explain what has happened or the nature of their relationship. As for the sex in the film, I know folks believe they saw these two engaging in intercourse, but we didn't see any such thing. To be sure, there is plenty of nudity, some foreplay, an HJ, and the off camera use of an item for pleasuring, however, any act of lovemaking between the characters is not shown; no grinding, thrusting, groaning, or sweating with our protagonists wrapped around each other. There is little, if any, romance here. Given that avoidance of honest passion, the minimal dialogue, and fuzzy narrative, this movie's subject matter is rendered more tepid than bold or shocking; indeed, it would be difficult to show mother/son incest much safer than it's depiction here. Ultimately, the movie just aimlessly rolls around the deck until the end credits appear.

Review of Grand Jeté (2023)

Grand Jeté is a film that explores the complicated, sometimes messy nature of motherhood and the emotional weight of choices. It tells the story of a ballet teacher who, in pursuit of her career, becomes estranged from her son, leaving him to be raised by her mother. Years later, when they meet again, their relationship becomes increasingly intense, leading to a bond that crosses the line between a mother's love and something darker.

As I watched the film, I couldn't help but feel unsettled by the growing connection between mother and son. The way their relationship shifts is disturbing but undeniably human-two people trying to reconnect after years of separation, but in a way that feels more like an emotional affair than the reunion of mother and child. It raises difficult questions about love, guilt, and the blurry boundaries between what is acceptable and what is not.

The mother, trying to balance her passion for ballet with the need to care for her son, is deeply flawed but relatable. Her struggle is palpable. She loves him, yet her actions reveal a selfishness, a detachment, even in the midst of wanting to make up for lost time. Her son, now an adult, is caught in the middle, confused by the affection that feels too heavy, too intimate for what is supposed to be a motherly bond.

I think what the movie does best is show how complicated relationships can be when people try to reconnect after years apart. But honestly, I couldn't shake the feeling that the film was too subtle at times, leaving me wanting more depth in their emotional journey. It was hard to fully connect with the characters, especially when the emotional tension felt more uncomfortable than moving.

While the idea of a mother and son becoming emotionally entangled like this is disturbing, it does shine a light on the psychological complexities of love and desire. It's not a story of pure affection-it's about what happens when love becomes suffocating and boundaries get blurred. I won't lie, I felt conflicted watching it.

Overall, Grand Jeté is a film that sticks with you, though it's uncomfortable and at times hard to watch, where a son develop unconscious emotional or romantic feelings for his mother.

And maybe even "wrong" love - well no pun intended as always. There have been other movies that have delved into the human psyche and may have given us a better overall picture (I reckon that can count as a pun too) ... but this is also quite well made. It never reaches those heights ... but it is well played and may be a bit more "silent" and slow than other movies.

Try to suspend your disbelief, be prepared to be shocked (not so much from the nudity hopefully, but the relationship the two main characters have ... and their "connection") ... also be prepared to fill in the blanks ... to read between the lines (silences) ... the movie challenges the viewer ... performances are really good. And casting a real dancer in the main role may have helped it a lot.

"Grand Jeté" is a heart-wrenching drama that explores the complexities of love and sacrifice. The film tells the story of a talented ballet teacher who is torn between her career aspirations and her responsibilities as a mother. After living apart from her young son for many years, she is unexpectedly reunited with him, and they soon discover an undeniable connection that goes beyond familial bonds.

The film's nuanced performances and stunning choreography create a poignant and moving portrayal of the beauty of dance and the power of family. The lead actress delivers a powerful performance, conveying the struggle of a mother who has had to put her dreams on hold in pursuit of her career. The scenes in which she dances the titular Grand Jeté are breathtaking and inspiring.

The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and self-discovery are beautifully woven into the plot, making "Grand Jeté" a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience. The film's touching conclusion will leave you feeling uplifted and moved, a testament to the power of love and the healing potential of the arts.

Overall, "Grand Jeté" is a beautifully crafted film that showcases the talent of its cast and crew. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty of dance and the complexities of human relationships.