July 17–24, 1997

movie shorts

Flamenco

recommended

Carlos Saura's performance film celebrates the myriad styles of Spain's most famous art form in a simple manner. Screens are set up, with chairs in front of them, and groups of performers — from several generations, and all superb — begin singing, or dancing, or playing guitar. The performances range from elaborate solo dances to virtual explosions of song and dance from large groups; the common thread is their visceral intensity of expression, heightened by the lighting and camerawork of Vittorio Storaro. The uninitiated will have to take it as it comes, especially since the songs are not subtitled, but there's enough of beauty here for almost anyone.

—Sol Louis Siegel