Maurice Bejart - Ninth Symphony

Maurice Bejart - Ninth Symphony is a mesmerizing dance docufilm that brings to life the brilliance of renowned ballet choreographer Maurice Bejart, as performed by the Béjart Ballet Lausanne. Featuring standout performances from the talented Joëlle Roustan and Henri Davila, the film captures Bejart's interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in a profound and unflinching tribute to the power of music and dance.

The film delves into the artistic genius of Maurice Bejart, a figurehead of contemporary ballet, as it showcases his adaptation of Ludwig van Beethoven's historic Ninth Symphony. Bejart's unique choreography turns the symphony into a visually captivating ballet, creating a harmonious blend of classical music and contemporary dance. Over the years, Bejart's passionate adaption of the Ninth Symphony has become a rite of passage for every generation of his ballet troupe.

Joëlle Roustan and Henri Davila, principal dancers of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, take center stage in this performance. Roustan is renowned for her interpretation of Bejart's work. Her charismatic presence, refined technique, and emotional potency shine throughout the performance. Meanwhile, Davila conveys a strong and dynamic presence, his virtuoso strength and grace enabling him to embody the emotional texture of Bejart's choreography masterfully.

The film goes beyond the performance itself, weaving in intimate behind-the-scenes footage, spotlighting the grueling rehearsal process, the delicacies of staging a ballet, and the immense dedication and emotional investment from the dancers. It's a nuanced exploration of what it takes to bring Bejart's choreography to life—a testament to the blood, sweat, and tears that go into every leap, pirouette, and pas de deux.

The Ninth Symphony serves as the core of the film, with Bejart's interpretation offering a fresh take on Beethoven's iconic composition. The choreography respects the dramatic weight of Beethoven’s work while adding layers of interpretation that only movement can offer. The symphony's themes of joy, brotherhood, and freedom are expressed in the dance, an intimate and passionate visual dialogue that compliments the timeless music.

Maurice Bejart - Ninth Symphony generates an audacious, striking dialogue between music and movement. Each of Bejart's choreographed movements corresponds intricately to the rising and falling notes of the symphony. These beautifully synchronised performances are made even more profound by how meticulously the cinematography captures their every detail. Whether it's the expressive close-ups of the dancers during their solo routines or the mesmerizing wide shots capturing the ensemble's grandeur—the filmmaking ensures the rhythm and energy of Bejart's choreography leaping off the screen.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the interpretative richness of the dance and how it evokes every emotion underlying Beethoven's composition while reflecting Bejart's artistic flair. His choreography transcends the conventional boundaries of ballet, integrating other dance techniques to illustrate the universality of the music and its interpretation. The ensemble of dancers moves as one entity, creating patterns and shapes that range from harmonious to discordant, mimicking the symphony's shifting moods.

In addition to the extraordinary performances and behind-the-scenes insights, Maurice Bejart - Ninth Symphony also offers a treasure trove for dance and music enthusiasts—the captivating blend of subtlety and power that defined Bejart's choreography. With a combination of grace and precision, the film vividly articulates how Bejart transformed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony into a visual manifestation of music, a physical expression of its all-encompassing emotional spectrum.

Maurice Bejart - Ninth Symphony will appeal to fans of ballet and classical music, but its undeniable power and exquisite artistry will resonate with all viewers. Beyond ballet enthusiasts, it is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century and a respected composition.

A visual spectacle from start to finish, Maurice Bejart - Ninth Symphony is a tribute to the power of dance and the universality of music, creating an unforgettable journey into the heart of Bejart's enduring legacy.