Brooms

Nominated for a 1996 Academy Award for best live action short, this cinematic homage to the hit stage production Stomp follows a group of New York City street cleaners as they sweep the streets after hours. A percussive treat, featuring pounding brooms, tapping heels, clanging dustpans, etc., Brooms is also an exceptionally dark film (literally; the intricate choreography is often difficult to see). As a celebration of the fundamental power of music in the bleakest of settings, Brooms offers a soothing balm to the spirit. Still, it's essentially a one-note piece--although that single note builds to a wonderful crescendo. A strong optional purchase for larger collections. Aud: E, I, J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)