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THE COMPANY Send This Review to a Friend
One of my favorites at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival was Robert Altman's pleasing "The Company," in which he worked with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and came up with a film creating a drama involving a behind-the-scenes look at how a dance company functions and what it is like for the dancers who live and breathe their work. Now that the film is in commercial release the general public has a chance to see this entertaining, exquisitely filmed work of quality and good taste.
The screenplay by Barbara Turner provides hardly any story, just hints about relationships. The emphasis is on the dance and such scenes are enthrallingly filmed. I have heard complaints from some who would prefer expanded drama, but that would make this more like other films about the world of dance. "The Company" is a more original and therefore more gratifying approach, and Altman is to be commended for following through on the decision to keep the dancing at the forefront.
Altman takes his time escorting us into this world, and he is abetted by the star performance of dancer Neve Campbell, who is not part of the Joffrey troupe but was integrated into the company for this film. She is beautiful, talented and lovely to watch. The cast also includes James Franco, as well as members of the ballet.
Malcolm McDowell is dynamic as the egotistical company director who asserts his authority and will not tolerate opposition but also indicates his love for what he is doing. The emphasis is on the dance, not personal entanglements, although they are present and we can sense the feelings simmering. But the only heavy breathing "The Company" needs is that of dancers striving to do their best. A Sony Classics Pictures release.
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