Review of Strictly Ballroom (1992) by Ushwin P — 15 Apr 2011
Baz Luhrmann's "Red Curtain Trilogy".
Act I: Strictly Ballroom (1992).
Baz Luhrmann's feature film debut, "Strictly Ballroom", is a comedy of manners. It satirizes the world of ballroom dancing with its bawdy dialogue, glitzy costumes and pseudo-documentary approach.
With a charismatic performance by its lead, Paul Mercurio as Scott Hastings, an engaging soundtrack, well-choreographed dance sequences and its own brand of comedic flare, the film is a crowd pleaser and a resounding success. Mercurio is one of the few professional dancers turned actor who make it work. He does have screen presence.
Baz Luhrmann's screenplay and direction are assured and places this romantic comedy on even keel. It is easy to see why it received a 15-minute standing ovation when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Each film in this trilogy revolves around a certain theme. In "Strictly Ballroom" it is, "A Life Lived In Fear, Is A Life Half Lived".
This review of Strictly Ballroom (1992) was written by Ushwin P on 15 Apr 2011.
Strictly Ballroom has generally received positive reviews.
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