Nijinsky
Nijinsky

Movie spotlight

Nijinsky

1980
Movie
129 min
English

A ballet dancer struggles with his homosexuality and the increasing allure of a young ballerina who seeks to draw him away from his domineering lover.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Director: Herbert RossGenres: Biography, Drama, History

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the life and career of Vaslav Nijinsky, one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. It focuses on his passionate and tumultuous relationships, his groundbreaking performances that revolutionized ballet, and his descent into mental illness. The narrative highlights his complex love triangle with impresario Sergei Diaghilev and Romola De Pulszky, and his artistic struggles.

Critical Reception

Nijinsky received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the film's ambition, stunning choreography, and strong performances, particularly from George De La Peña as Nijinsky, some found the storytelling to be uneven and the portrayal of Nijinsky's inner life somewhat lacking. It was generally considered a respectable, though not entirely triumphant, biopic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking choreography and George De La Peña's central performance.

  • Criticized for its fragmented narrative and inability to fully capture Nijinsky's genius or psychological turmoil.

  • A lavish production that respectfully attempts to dramatize a legendary artistic life.

Google audience: Audience reception information for 'Nijinsky (1980)' on Google is not readily available or widely documented.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for one Academy Award for Best Costume Design (1981).

Fun Fact

The film's choreography was recreated by the renowned ballet master Mikhail Menshikov, who worked closely with the principal dancers to accurately portray Nijinsky's legendary movements.

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