Review of Pina (2011) by Joshua B — 11 Nov 2012

Wim Wenders' documentary tribute to contemporary danacer Pina Bausch could have been a very different film than it became. For Pina herself was slated to be heavily involved in the production in front of the camera until her sudden death just days before shooting was to begin.

Instead, her ghost lingers over the film as students and colleagues recount her influence and perform her choreography. Wenders captures the spirit of Bausch's work in such a remarkably surreal way that the film becomes captivating even for a viewer with little interest in dance.

His decision to shoot the dance scenes in 3D was mocked by some before the film's release, but in seeing the way his camera glides across the various landscapes and captures the performers so vividly and intimately, what at first seemed like a gimmick in turn seems perfectly appropriate.

Unfortunately, I was unable to see the film in 3D, but it looks fantastic otherwise. The level of variety in the performances themselves keeps the dancing from feeling repetitive, and Wenders' quiet respect juxtaposed with the dancers' intensity ensures this film is consistently engaging.