The White Crow: The story of Rudolph Nureyev's defection to the West with flashbacks to his earlier years. A tale of talent, ambition and arrogance, Rudi (Oleg Ivenko) always he was going to become the greatest Ballet Dancer since Nijinsky, indeed he is shown winning the Nijinsky prize in Paris. Though talented he didn't get to attend a first class Ballet school until he was 17, even then he clashed with his teachers until finally coming under the tutelage of Alexander Pushkin (Ralph Fiennes). Pushkin brought out the real Nureyev, who though still not perfect in technique, told tales through his form of dance.
Arriving in Paris in June 1961, Rudi takes the city by storm, he disturbs his KGB handler by mixing with French dancers and going to parties. his developing relationship with Clara Saint (Adèle Exarchopoulos) causes the agent to fear that Nureyev might defect. Even though the outcome is known this film literally works as a thriller. I was spellbound as the ensuing drama unfolded. Interspersing this story are scenes of Rudi's training as he put in extra hours to catch up, his hard childhood, his always supportive mother. He was born on the trans-Siberian Express leading to his lifelong fascination with trains. Ivenko is a truly great actor and dancer as he re-enacts some of Nureyev's early triumphant performances. Ralph Fiennes as director has delivered a fascinating tale of Nureyev's first 23 years but credit must also go to the vast army of seamstresses choreographers, set decorators et al. A film where the Art Department is truly important. 9/10.
Arriving in Paris in June 1961, Rudi takes the city by storm, he disturbs his KGB handler by mixing with French dancers and going to parties. his developing relationship with Clara Saint (Adèle Exarchopoulos) causes the agent to fear that Nureyev might defect. Even though the outcome is known this film literally works as a thriller. I was spellbound as the ensuing drama unfolded. Interspersing this story are scenes of Rudi's training as he put in extra hours to catch up, his hard childhood, his always supportive mother. He was born on the trans-Siberian Express leading to his lifelong fascination with trains. Ivenko is a truly great actor and dancer as he re-enacts some of Nureyev's early triumphant performances. Ralph Fiennes as director has delivered a fascinating tale of Nureyev's first 23 years but credit must also go to the vast army of seamstresses choreographers, set decorators et al. A film where the Art Department is truly important. 9/10.