This is my review for the collection of Duke Ellington shorts at Il Cinema Ritrovato:
I had a very pleasant experience viewing these shorts! As a jazz fan, the opportunity to watch a jazz legend perform with his band in a movie theater was so special. The first 2 shorts weren't my favorite, they were supposed to have narratives but they weren't very clear or interesting ones. The more concert-structured shorts were a treat, though! The dancers were so energetic and entertaining to watch, and it was fascinating to see the evolution of dancing from swing/Charleston era to jive/lindy hop era. Duke Ellington shone on screen, he was so utterly charming and seemed to truly love playing with his name. The most memorable part of the screening was when Ellington turned to the camera and told the viewers to snap along with the band during a song, and when the snapping parts came, the whole audience joined in. It was magical!
This is my review for the collection of Duke Ellington shorts at Il Cinema Ritrovato:
I had a very pleasant experience viewing these shorts! As a jazz fan, the opportunity to watch a jazz legend perform with his band in a movie theater was so special. The first 2 shorts weren't my favorite, they were supposed to have narratives but they weren't very clear or interesting ones. The more concert-structured shorts were a treat, though! The dancers were so energetic and entertaining to watch, and it was fascinating to see the evolution of dancing from swing/Charleston era to jive/lindy hop era. Duke Ellington shone on screen, he was so utterly charming and seemed to truly love playing with his name. The most memorable part of the screening was when Ellington turned to the camera and told the viewers to snap along with the band during a song, and when the snapping parts came, the whole audience joined in. It was magical!
