A Magia da Dança

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 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.

Maybe I wouldn't have bought the movie if I'd seen the low voting-rate here. But I read the three bones in the Videohounds and got curious for Roseland, New Yorks famous old ballroom, filled up with mostly older dance-lovers, often looking for some company. Two bitter-sweet stories in the Ginger y Fred-style open and end. The middle part "Hustle" has Christopher Walken - who in his youth was dreaming of becoming a dancer - as the young darling gigolo for the older ladies. Walken plays a brilliant part here (just before his Deer Hunter-fame), you believe him right away. As the younger Geraldine Chaplin offers her love, house and help, he gratefully accept it,but when she tries to force things and make him think of him and her alone she loses easily from a golden watch. We've seen a lot of dancing-movies alright, but especially the genuine atmosphere with regular customers as the extra's, gives Roseland some unforgettable moments. 9 out of 10 is rather high, but boy, you have to fight against these poor ratings!

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.