Nijinsky

Originally released under its current subtitle, The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky, this experimental film by Paul Cox (Vincent: The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh) unintentionally makes a good case for the legendary dancer's being seen and not heard. Based on musings made after he was institutionalized, Nijinsky opines on art, love, emotions, and much more, ad nauseam. “I am an unthinking philosopher, I am a philosopher with feelings...I am the one who dies when he is not loved,” reads actor Derek Jacobi in earnest voiceover, while archival stills, recreations, and more oblique footage represent scenes from Nijinsky's life or symbolize his state of mind. Incidentally, among Nijinsky's many stated “likes” were earthquakes; the fact that they often kill tons of people was apparently irrelevant to the self-centered artist. Very optional, except for specialized dance collections. (T. Rich)