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synopsis
Frederick Wiseman spent ten weeks with his camera exploring one of the most mythical places, The “Crazy Horse”. This legendary Parisian cabaret club, founded in 1951 by Alain Bernardin has over the years become the Parisian nightlife “must” for any visitors, ranking alongside the Eiffel tower and the Louvre. The film follows the rehearsals and performances for a new show, “Desir”, staged by Philippe Découflé, a celebrated French choreographer, as well as the backstage preparations of the dancers (make-up and costume fittings) and also the various issues involved in the planning of the show and the administration of the club. “I made the film for several reasons. I thought the idea amusing, and wanted to explore the difference between cabaret and ballet. At a more abstract level, I was very interested in people’s fantasies.” (Frederick Wiseman)

It would have been hard to find more enticing premises: the famous Parisian cabaret, Le Crazy Horse, and its beautiful dancers, filmed by American documentary supremo Frederick Wiseman, known for dissecting world institutions since the 1960s, from the Pentagon to the Paris Opera Ballet. This time, Wiseman follows choreographer Philippe Découfflé, in charge of the cabaret’s new show, “Désir”. The challenge is tough: Découflé must create and rehearse his new show with dancers who perform every night. Indeed, Le Crazy Horse never sleeps, and never closes. Negotiations are tense between the artistic director and the cabaret’s owners. Things keep changing right until the last moment and the costume designer is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Usually more attracted by the backstage drama than by what goes on in the limelight, Wiseman's camera can’t help lingering on those voluptuous curves which ingenious op-art effects transcend. Suddenly, the flesh becomes art. (Agnès C. Poirier)

>Click here< to listen to the audio introduction to the film with exclusive extras, courtesy by Subti