There aren’t many household names in miming but there is one: Marcel Marceau. This multifaceted documentary acts as both a biography and a study of Marceau’s cultural impact. Through intimate interviews with his family and closest friends, The Art of Silence digs deep into Marceau’s past, touching on his childhood in Austria and his work in World War II resistance, smuggling Jewish children from Belgium into neutral Switzerland.
We also learn about the man behind the greasepaint, being shown many conversations about Marceau’s home life with his children and wife. Marcel Marceau was more than just a mime; he was THE mime for many decades. His techniques and performances have inspired modern dance and acting, and have even served as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. This in-depth study into the life and works of Marcel Marceau is required viewing for anyone interested in movement and performance.
The Art of Silence is fairly typical in its documentary stylings but incredibly thought-provoking in its content. There are some moments of cinematographic beauty throughout but the focus is on Marceau’s life, works, and surviving relatives. Though occasionally archival footage of Marceau is used, we hear most of the information spoken by his cousins, wife, children, and even his now 108-year-old uncle. The Art of Silence gives these subjects plenty of room to express themselves in more than words, documenting practices and performances of the family’s stage play homage to Marcel Marceau.
Anyone taking classes in modern dance, acting, stage performance, or improv will find helpful or intriguing content in The Art of Silence. This documentary may also make an interesting addition to WWII and post-war history classes, as Marceau’s Jewish heritage and work with the resistance are important to understanding WWII. The many social forces that emerged after the Second World War were at the forefront of Marceau’s mind during the 1950s and beyond. Highly Recommended.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
The Art of Silence would best fit in biography collections but could also be placed in dance, performance, and Jewish documentary collections.
What type of film series could this title be used for?
Any series about modern dance or Judaism would benefit from the addition of The Art of Silence.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
Library DVD: $75/ Edu + PPR: $375/ (DSL available) from Seventh Art Releasing