Filmmakers Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger's documentary serves up a bittersweet portrait of prima ballerina Wendy Whelan, who danced with the New York City Ballet for three decades before retiring in 2014. During her childhood training, Whelan was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12, requiring her to wear a back brace to continue dancing. After a long career in which she worked with luminaries such as George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, Whelan had an accident in 2012 that necessitated reconstructive hip surgery and threatened to make a return to the stage impossible. The filmmakers were given wide access to Whelan during this period, and viewers see her keeping up good spirits even as she endures recuperative therapy and perceives that long-time colleagues are already anticipating her departure. Nonetheless, despite great pain she prepares for a final performance that is co-choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and Alexei Ratmansky. The directors take their title from a work that is made up of duets Whelan fashioned with four young choreographers that the five together have since performed on tour. And even post-retirement from the NYCB, Whelan continues to defy the odds, doing what she admits she loves most. One cannot help but be inspired by her story, which is lovingly told in this revealing and sensitive film. Extras include a conversation with Whelan and colleagues, four additional short dances, and Whelan's curtain call during her final performance. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan
(2016) 93 min. DVD: $29.95. Kino Lorber (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 1
Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan
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