Ghostlight

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.

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!

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.

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!