William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet

William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet is an acclaimed 2009 documentary film that beautifully merges the worlds of music, performing arts, and storytelling through its unique approach. Named after William Shatner's 2004 spoken word album "Has Been," the film explores the creation and development of a ballet by esteemed choreographer Margo Sappington, which was inspired and set to the tunes of Shatner's album.

The documentary is both a narrative and performance piece, starring none other than the original Captain Kirk of Star Trek fame, William Shatner. Shatner, known for his achievements in acting, directing and writing, for the first time, is seen through the lens of his explorations into the realm of spoken word music. His charismatic presence and dynamic narration style are integral to the movie, offering a rich, personal backdrop to the creative operation unfolding on-screen.

In addition to Shatner, the film features Ben Folds, an accomplished musician, singer-songwriter and producer, who co-wrote and produced Shatner's "Has Been" album. Folds' collaboration with Shatner is a focal point, revealing an unexpected, compelling confluence of music and spoken word. The film brilliantly intersperses interviews with Folds and Shatner, revealing the behind-the-scenes action that led to the creation of the unconventional yet artistic music album.

The movie's central theme is the unique ballet choreographed by the Tony-nominated Margo Sappington, who is well-known in the world of performing arts as an avant-garde innovator. Sappington, enamoured with Shatner's "Has Been", uses it as a basis for her new ballet, aptly titled "Common People". It reimagines the spoken word album as an expressive dance performance and this transformation is beautifully documented in the film.

The film is directed by Patrick Buckley and Bobby Ciraldo, along with Andrew Swant. Kevin Layne is the cinematographer who beautifully captures the fluidity and poise of ballet, with an eye for detail that accentuates the synergy between the dancers, the music, and the spoken word.

William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet marches to its own beat, offering audiences a novel combination of storytelling, contemporary music and dance. This confluence guarantees a show that is as diverse as it is cohesive, proving to be a sensory delight for audiences.

Moreover, the film introduces us to a side of William Shatner that’s seldom been seen before. His passion for spoken-word performance, his reinvention as an artist, and his relentless pursuit of innovative collaborations paint a portrait of a man far removed from the rigidity of his Star Trek alter-ego.

The documentary does an incredible job of showing the creative process behind both the album and the ballet and also delves into the personal lives and artistic journeys of Shatner, Folds, and Sappington. Adding depth to the narrative are candid interviews with all the main players – Shatner reflecting on his career and personal experiences, Folds discussing his music and collaboration with Shatner, and Sappington exploring the magic and challenge of turning spoken word into expressive dance.

Certain sequences stand out powerfully for their heartfelt depictions, case in point, scenes of dancers rehearsing and performing, interspersed with snippets of Shatner's narrative musical pieces; they encapsulate the essence of this film - a weaving of genres, a meeting of minds, and convergence of varied artistic pursuits.

The film takes audiences on a wild ride through the complexities and wonders of the creative process while showcasing an unparalleled fusion of narrative music and dance. What unfolds is a poignant, humorous and sometimes surreal exploration of life, death, love and loss.

William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet is more than just a slice-of-life or traditional documentary film. At its heart, it is a celebration of the adventurous spirit of artists irrespective of their craft, a study in cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a testament to the power of the spoken word. It’s an unconventional masterpiece that brings to the fore the limitless boundaries of art and the power it possesses to challenge, communicate, and captivate.