Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

Merry Christmas!
Choreography was boring but the Pas De Deux made me sob, as that music always does.

Merry Christmas!
Choreography was boring but the Pas De Deux made me sob, as that music always does.

*Watching this right after seeing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by Pacific Northwest Ballet.
*
This is the version I grew up on, which is why I used to be afraid of The Nutcracker. As iconic as Maurice Sendak is, his version of this ballet is dark and sus as hell. If you don’t know the story you’re missing key plot lines here, a direct result of clunky stage design and overall direction. Yes, I was watching this with the intention to compare the two, so that’s why I’m so critical of this. I can appreciate that this is a classic, but Balanchine’s interpretation is much better in every aspect. Especially because his doesn’t include a weird grooming subplot. Beautiful orchestral work, choreography, and dancers obviously.

*Watching this right after seeing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by Pacific Northwest Ballet.
*
This is the version I grew up on, which is why I used to be afraid of The Nutcracker. As iconic as Maurice Sendak is, his version of this ballet is dark and sus as hell. If you don’t know the story you’re missing key plot lines here, a direct result of clunky stage design and overall direction. Yes, I was watching this with the intention to compare the two, so that’s why I’m so critical of this. I can appreciate that this is a classic, but Balanchine’s interpretation is much better in every aspect. Especially because his doesn’t include a weird grooming subplot. Beautiful orchestral work, choreography, and dancers obviously.

She likes that nutcracker a lil too much

She likes that nutcracker a lil too much

Very unique and iffy choices on the parts of plot and characters topped with a unique aesthetic, beautiful costumes, and wonderful dancing. Watching this truly felt like a strange dream with a final scene that had a choice so strange, unneeded, and visually awful that I removed a whole star. Happy Holidays from artistic choices of the 80s.

Very unique and iffy choices on the parts of plot and characters topped with a unique aesthetic, beautiful costumes, and wonderful dancing. Watching this truly felt like a strange dream with a final scene that had a choice so strange, unneeded, and visually awful that I removed a whole star. Happy Holidays from artistic choices of the 80s.