DANCING ON THE ELEPHANT
REVIEW WRITTEN BY JOE COMPTON
Faced with a future of chair-xercise and spoon-fed pudding, nursing home friends Nora and Edna attempt to break out of the "fox farm" and find a life worth sticking around for.
Directors:Julia Neill, Jacob Z. SmithGenre: Comedy/Drama
Lanuage: English
Running Time: 1:34
Writer: Lisa Hagen
Stars: Sheila McCarthy, Mary Walsh, Amanda Brugel
Sometimes movies give us something we don't expect, and sometimes they serve as great reminders of how lucky we all are to be here on a day-to-day basis, and I am very grateful to have that happen in my viewing experience of Dancing On The Elephant.
There is nothing flashy about this movie. It moves at its own pace like it's supposed to, and says so much without needing words, but just in case it has many of those words that work in the concert of the opportunity seized by all involved in this production.
While the story itself is based on a play by Lisa Hagen, unlike a lot of films that are, it doesn't feel like a play. I think that starts with the exquisite camera work by Kevin A. Fraser and the shot selections by the directors, Julia Neill and Jacon Smith. The framing is impeccable; it does so much to set either a stillness when calm is called for or discovery is needed, vibrancy when there seems to be a drabness in the air, or warmness when we seek its comfort, and exhilaration when we need to get going. I love the way the hallways are treated here. There is a length to them that feels like spying at times, while other times it feels like an invitation to come in, and still, even more feels like the place where everything goes to make shit happen. I also love the way the windows and the gorgeous landscapes surrounding this place are given their just due. It would have been criminal to neglect that aspect, especially since it's in one of the opening shots, the panorama of the surroundings.
The other aspect that is so welcoming is the acting, with a particularly stellar performance from Mary Walsh. A Canadian legend in her own right, then you add in another legend in Sheila McCarthy, and you have a powerhouse duo that not just radiate the screen, they melt it. The chemistry here is off the charts good. Then you sprinkle in absolutely stellar moments from Amanda Brugel, who commands your attention and yet her best is the vulnerable moments she shares with Nora and Edna. This movie is not the same without Amanda holding her own here. As well as this movie needing the much-needed comic relief that Kevin Kincaid gives us. There is a particular moment with an Uber that I may not have laughed out loud, harder than any film I saw at this festival. Reid Price also gives us some great moments as the newbie in the facility.
While the story itself is based on a play by Lisa Hagen, unlike a lot of films that are, it doesn't feel like a play. I think that starts with the exquisite camera work by Kevin A. Fraser and the shot selections by the directors, Julia Neill and Jacon Smith. The framing is impeccable; it does so much to set either a stillness when calm is called for or discovery is needed, vibrancy when there seems to be a drabness in the air, or warmness when we seek its comfort, and exhilaration when we need to get going. I love the way the hallways are treated here. There is a length to them that feels like spying at times, while other times it feels like an invitation to come in, and still, even more feels like the place where everything goes to make shit happen. I also love the way the windows and the gorgeous landscapes surrounding this place are given their just due. It would have been criminal to neglect that aspect, especially since it's in one of the opening shots, the panorama of the surroundings.
The other aspect that is so welcoming is the acting, with a particularly stellar performance from Mary Walsh. A Canadian legend in her own right, then you add in another legend in Sheila McCarthy, and you have a powerhouse duo that not just radiate the screen, they melt it. The chemistry here is off the charts good. Then you sprinkle in absolutely stellar moments from Amanda Brugel, who commands your attention and yet her best is the vulnerable moments she shares with Nora and Edna. This movie is not the same without Amanda holding her own here. As well as this movie needing the much-needed comic relief that Kevin Kincaid gives us. There is a particular moment with an Uber that I may not have laughed out loud, harder than any film I saw at this festival. Reid Price also gives us some great moments as the newbie in the facility.
This movie does have some slowness to it, but again, that really holds onto and preserves a very important inner monologue for those on screen. Especially in the case of Nora (Sheila McCarthy), watching her cognitively navigate her new reality and surroundings is something you have never seen on camera like that before. I also appreciate how it serves Edna (Mary Walsh), a kind of unique feeling out process, especially when we first see them in the same room together at the very beginning. I love how Edna is clocking Nora with intent. That is [powerhouse acting at its finest.
This movie does not sugarcoat or patronize the tougher aspects of this situation, and it may be a triggering reminder that this is an unfortunate reality for many nowadays. It also asks those questions it should ask. However, the care Julia and Jacob take and the words and scenes created by Lisa are all done with a deft touch that really sell a graceful, beautiful reminder that life is worth living and every day is precious because of that. If you need a warm blanket, I hope you reach for Dancing On The Elephant when its out there to do so.
This movie does not sugarcoat or patronize the tougher aspects of this situation, and it may be a triggering reminder that this is an unfortunate reality for many nowadays. It also asks those questions it should ask. However, the care Julia and Jacob take and the words and scenes created by Lisa are all done with a deft touch that really sell a graceful, beautiful reminder that life is worth living and every day is precious because of that. If you need a warm blanket, I hope you reach for Dancing On The Elephant when its out there to do so.
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