@seithscott Definitely. Some of Aronofsky's compositions for Black Swan were directly lifted from this film. They're virtually identical in terms of theme (the exploration of the value of art) and plot, although Swan is darker and campier. Some say Swan owes a debt to The Red Shoes, I say it owes it's entire existence to this Archers masterpiece.
Ancestor to both Black Swan and Suspiria, perhaps, The Red Shoes does several things right. One of these is immersing you in the world of high-pressure ballet, from both the composer's and the dancer's points of view (played by Marius Goring and Moira Shearer, respectively). While they could have glossed over the work itself and concentrated on their (late-in-the-game) romance, the music and the dance in this film are quite wonderful as well, and it takes its time setting our artistic heroes up - as well as their patron, and ultimately, their villain, the producer played by Adolf Wohlbrück. On note is one of those impossible dance numbers that, while happening on stage, is full of magical effects and scene changes that couldn't possibly, but that's where the film's action meets its themes. Because the third thing the movie does well is juxtapose Hans Christian Andersen's The Red Shoes, the story of a dancer who is given magical shoes that turn out to be a monkey's paw, with Shearer's dueling passions. She dances in a ballet based on the story, but is also living it. Throw in some beautiful cinematography, and you have one of the greatest films about dance ever put to film.
If you liked the way more recent movies Whiplash and La La Land you really need to see this one. A masterpiece that has inspired so many directors during the last 70 (70!!!) years. Gorgeous !
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Melvelet
Wouldn't have expected that a 15-minute ballet scene would be my favoutire part of this wonderful film. :)Hippiemans
The actual performance of 'The Red Shoes' is absolutely breathtaking.Jonathan_Hutchings
Absolutely brilliant.@seithscott Definitely. Some of Aronofsky's compositions for Black Swan were directly lifted from this film. They're virtually identical in terms of theme (the exploration of the value of art) and plot, although Swan is darker and campier. Some say Swan owes a debt to The Red Shoes, I say it owes it's entire existence to this Archers masterpiece.
mirnanda
Started slow. The dance sequence was totally ahead of its time (I think) and Anton Walbrook was so great at the end, in the box.Siskoid
Ancestor to both Black Swan and Suspiria, perhaps, The Red Shoes does several things right. One of these is immersing you in the world of high-pressure ballet, from both the composer's and the dancer's points of view (played by Marius Goring and Moira Shearer, respectively). While they could have glossed over the work itself and concentrated on their (late-in-the-game) romance, the music and the dance in this film are quite wonderful as well, and it takes its time setting our artistic heroes up - as well as their patron, and ultimately, their villain, the producer played by Adolf Wohlbrück. On note is one of those impossible dance numbers that, while happening on stage, is full of magical effects and scene changes that couldn't possibly, but that's where the film's action meets its themes. Because the third thing the movie does well is juxtapose Hans Christian Andersen's The Red Shoes, the story of a dancer who is given magical shoes that turn out to be a monkey's paw, with Shearer's dueling passions. She dances in a ballet based on the story, but is also living it. Throw in some beautiful cinematography, and you have one of the greatest films about dance ever put to film.Serehrenfest
If you liked the way more recent movies Whiplash and La La Land you really need to see this one. A masterpiece that has inspired so many directors during the last 70 (70!!!) years. Gorgeous !TalkingElvish
Astonishing film. Everyone involved on the top of their game.DulceDoes
Amazing, Moira Shearer's performance was brilliant.MastWiFi
A stunning and wonderful movie, plenty of visionary sequences.dchauvin
Beautiful, way ahead of its time. I just don't understand why there aren't more films as visually satisfying as this.seithscott
Utterly breathtaking and really ahead of it's time, just brilliant. I imagine this is where Aronofsky got his idea.phoenixrising
Takes a while to get going but it's stunning when it does.Alias
Magnificent.landencelano
This film haunts me.E. T. Blunt
My favorite "fairy tale" movie. Moira Shearer is brilliant.Showing items 1 – 15 of 26