Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan

Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan is an inspiring documentary film that peeks behind the curtain to give an intimate view into the life and career of one of America's most celebrated ballerinas. Released in 2016, the film focuses on the titular Wendy Whelan who has spent over thirty years in the world of professional ballet. The documentary also features appearances from distinguished figures like Peter Martins, the master-in-chief of the New York City Ballet (NYCB), and David Prottas, another elite dancer with NYCB.

The narrative of Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan is marked by an intimate honesty that brings the viewer closer to Wendy, her journey, and the demanding world of ballet. It embarks from her earliest attraction to dance and traces her evolution into one of the country's top ballerinas. Her dedication, discipline, and obsessive pursuit of perfection are beautifully showcased through various dance sequences, backstage scenes, and private introspections. At the same time, the film also captures the pure joy and spiritual fulfillment Whelan derives from dance, which serve as her driving forces.

Wendy Whelan is often recognized as a prime example of artistic longevity. Her career in ballet, which is a profession renowned for the youth and physicality it demands, spanned over three decades – a milestone that allows her to stand prominent in the ballet landscape. Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan delves into this aspect of her life, touching upon the toll ballet takes on the body and the spirit and the challenges it presents to dancers as they age.

Central in the film's storyline is Wendy's iconic career with the New York City Ballet from 1984 to 2014. The directors, Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger, beautifully capture the grandeur of NYCB while portraying her time there. Footage and stills of her past performances offer a glimpse into the athletic prowess and expressive artistry that have marked her career. Moreover, her long-standing partnership with the legendary ballet choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon, which resulted in numerous unforgettable ballet pieces, also receives due attention in the film.

In contrast to her impressive career, Whelan also struggles with a significant hip injury within the film. Directors tackle this part of the story delicately, providing viewers with a candid look at her physical and emotional battles. Wendy's determination to overcome the injury, despite doctor's predictions, and her quest to redefine her role in modern dance, post-recovery, further compound her resilience and indomitable strength, embodied in the apt title "Restless Creature".

The documentary also deals with Wendy’s contemplation of life after ballet. Here, the film paints a poignant picture of the emotional turbulence associated with leaving behind a lifetime pursuit. But, as the narrative unfolds, it is equally adamant on translating hers into a tale of reinvention. Wendy transitions into contemporary dance, collaborating with innovative choreographers and dancers to craft and execute a series of duets called "Restless Creature" in a touring program.

Visually, the film is a treat for dance lovers. The intricate, sweeping shots of Wendy dancing – the interplay of light and shadow, the bend and flex of muscle, the gravity-defying leaps and elegant landings – are all captured in striking detail, transporting viewers onto the stage alongside her.

Ultimately, Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan embarks on the twofold task of capturing the essence of a remarkable woman and a remarkable career, charting the journey of a phenomenal artist coming to terms with the end of her ballet career and looking forward to new beginnings in contemporary dance. With its compelling portraits of passion, endurance, transformation, and resilience, it provides a powerful reminder that while ballet may be a tough and physically demanding profession, it is equally a realm of beauty, emotion, and extraordinary grace.