One of the benefits of the DVD format is undeniably the
grouping of what might be termed minor chord work, thus allowing for more full-fledged
experimentation without feeling like one is getting ripped off. Certainly this
is true of the new disc from distributor First Run Features which brings together two
portraits of artists from underappreciated dabbler Allan Miller, one of
foremost documentary chroniclers of classical music. Winner of a short-form
Academy Award, 1973’s The Bolero offers
up an intimate portrait of Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Zubin Mehta at
work, while In Search of Cézanne asks
how much knowledge is necessary to justify one’s artistic likes and dislikes.
One of the most honored films of its kind, The Bolero captures the essence of an
orchestra, trading in a style that regional documentarians like Raul Abellanio
would later adapt to chronicle the simple, workaday rituals of migrant farmhands.
In over-the-shoulder fashion, producer Miller (Small Wonders, From Mao To
Mozart: Isaac Stern in China) and co-director William Fertik focus on Mehta
as he prepares to conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a stellar performance
of Ravel’s classic, titular composition. Viewers are given insights into the
music, the workings of a great orchestra, and leadership style and teamwork,
all by observing a world renowned conductor in rehearsal and performance. Running
just over 25 minutes, the movie explores new ways to keep music in the
foreground, chiefly trading in extreme close-ups that give new contact with
each performer and their music. The
Bolero introduces each musician and instrument as a distinct personality
rather than an anonymous member of an anonymous group and in doing so helps feed
viewers’ understanding of music as an organic, collaborative and symbiotic undertaking.
By smartly saving shots of Mehta for the end, the film delays its climax to match
that of Ravel’s passionate score.
is an exploration of the life and legacy of 19th century French painter Paul
Cézanne, as seen through the eyes of a young female documentary filmmaker who
is just discovering his work. Traveling from
to
in the south of France, meeting scholars and family of Cézanne at each stop,
her journey is a satisfying inquiry into artistic expression and its
appreciation. In the progress of this search, the film interweaves over 45 of
Cézanne’s paintings, photographed with careful attention to color and detail.
Housed in a regular Amray case in a snap-hinge tray, The Bolero/In Search of Cézanne is
presented in full-screen, and runs in aggregate under an hour. A brief text biography
of Miller, notes on the films and trailers are the only air-quote supplemental
extras.
inclusion, but it doesn’t sully this release. For more information, phone (800) 229-8575, or to purchase the title via Amazon, simply click here. B- (Movies) C+ (Disc)