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Cunningham U rating

This eye-popping portrait of great American choreographer Merce Cunningham celebrates the centenary of his birth.

Documentary 2019 93 mins

Director: Alla Kovgan

Overview

Considered one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, Cunningham is acclaimed for pushing the boundaries of dance, influencing the visual arts, film and music over the course of his seven-decade career. This exquisitely crafted and artistically ambitious documentary explores his creative process, focusing on the period between 1942 and 1972, from struggling dancer to acclaimed choreographer, and his collaborations with composer and life partner John Cage and visual artist Robert Rauschenberg.

Excerpts of Merce’s shows, rehearsals, interviews and his diagraphs and drawings are deftly interwoven with mesmerising new performances from the last generation of dancers to have worked with him. Split screens and superimpositions enhance this immersive and breathtaking cinematic experience, compellingly retracing the creative journey of this bold and visionary artist.