Cage/Cunningham

The fifty-year collaboration between composer John Cage and choreographer Merce Cunningham is tediously explored through interviews with the subjects and their former dance company members and other artistic associates. Except for an occasional amusing anecdote, little in the way of interesting revelations or insights is made. (At one point, Mr. Cage lets out a big yawn. Hmmm.) Intercut with these are more-than-generous archival clips and relatively current video spanning the length of their careers. At least one quotidian scene of Cage preparing a meal is completely superfluous, extending the already considerable running time. By all accounts Cage and Cunningham were pioneering figures in avant-garde dance, but this rather esoteric art is not rendered compelling or even particularly accessible for the casual viewer. Not recommended, except maybe for diehard fans of this rarefied genre. (J. Dick)