A Magia da Dança

'Roseland' is a film made up of three separate stories set in the legendary Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan. The first, entitled 'The Waltz' features the wonderful Teresa Wright as a widow who comes to Roseland in order to sustain the memory of her late husband. She meets Stan (Lou Jacobi), who offers her an opportunity for happiness in the present. 'The Hustle' concerns Christopher Walken as a gigolo with three women in his life, all of whom depend on him for different degrees of romance and companionship. In the final story, 'The Peabody,' an older woman (Lilia Skala) sets out to win a dance competition despite warnings that it could endanger her health.

All three segments are sensitive portrayals of different kinds of lonely people seeking some sort companionship and/or fulfillment. Out of the three, only 'The Waltz' is truly memorable, thanks to the great performances from Wright and Jacobi. The performances in the other two are good, but don't top those in the first.

The cinematography captures the dance floor activities wonderfully, and the entire film has an eerie, otherworldly quality to it. It's as if when these people step off the cruel New York streets, they are transported into another world. A world that is full of music, romance, and possibilities.

I watched this movie for the simple pleasure of staring at pretty young Christopher Walken; I had no expectations of actually caring about the rest of it since it didn't seem like something that aligned with my interests whatsoever. I was pleasantly surprised, and I've been thinking about it ever since. The three stories are simple and subdued, wistful, mournful little vignettes peering in on the lives, drama, and regrets of various characters who frequent this ballroom. It's mellow yet moving, sweet yet sad, with compelling characters and an inviting atmosphere that kept my tiny attention span thoroughly invested. Also, if you're like me and you're here for the prettyboy, you won't be disappointed.

I saw this film when it first came out in Bay Harbor, Florida. I was nineteen at the time and for some me reason thought I was going to see a film about ballroom dancing with some beautiful dancers. Nope, not even close. Basically, a very downbeat, low-key, sad movie about a bunch of very lonely and somewhat burnt out people. A young and at the time, a somewhat unknown Christopher Walken steals the whole film, which honestly is not much to steal. He definitely shows his talents and has a strong screen presence which will take off shortly with his breakout role in The Deer Hunter. The movie theater was totally empty the night I saw this movie. Seriously, I was the only one there. Leaving the theater, I felt a bit melancholy after watching this total Downer. Enough said.

Roseland is a ballroom where the older set gathers to dance and remember old times. There are some great veteran actors while the younger couple is played by Geraldine Chaplin and Christopher Walken. This is filmed mostly in the Roseland Ballroom, a real place in Manhattan.

This is Merchant Ivory before their fame reached me. I mostly know them for those British costume dramas. This is a little different. It does have their style despite the grim 70's New York. It feels a bit like Altman with less cross-talking. There is a note of sadness and faded glory throughout. This is a little flat and stays at that level.

Roseland was an actual dance/music hall in New York City that closed down in 2014. Three vintage stories takes place in the dance hall. The main theme is old age is sad and lonely.

The screen writer, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, was fifty when the movie came out and after seeing the movie, makes me wonder if she dreaded growing old.

The first story is "The Waltz" about an old woman played by Teresa Wright who has a difficult time in letting go of the memory of her late husband. She meets a fellow dancer, Stan (Lou Jacobi).

It reminded me of old Twilight Zone episode where old folks try to reclaim their youth or go back into past.

The second story, "The Hustle" is the longest and best one. It's about a gigolo named Russell (Christopher Walken) and the women in his life. Walken chews up the scenery.

One the best moments in this story is when Geraldine Chaplin mimes that she is going home to get some sleep.

The third story, "The Peabody" about an elderly woman who participates in a dance contest. There is a hint that the dancing the Peabody is deadly for old people (two people die after dancing it). The story came across as something I have seen in a thriller/horror anthology movie.

The overall movie has an old timey feel to it with a mixture of 1970's. That same year Saturday Night Fever came out which was a huge success.

The reason I gave it a seven is because the acting was good and "The Hustle"