Naissance d'une étoile

Greetings again from the darkness. "Be a dancer. Be a mother. Be a woman." It's a terrific and poignant moment in this short film from director James Bort and writer Stephane Landowski. That the line is delivered by screen legend Catherine Deneuve makes it all the more relevant, as we imagine the changes she has witnessed in her 60 year show business career.

Maurice Ravel's "Bolero" is the driving piece played throughout the story, as Emma (Dorothee Gilbert, the actual Prima Ballerina at Paris Opera Ballet) is on the brink of being named Ballerina at the Bolshoi. She has devoted her entire life to dance, and now carries a secret that could prevent her from attaining her goal. Her interactions with fellow dancer Victoire (Antonia Desplat) and their Ballet Master (Pierre Deladonchamps) underscore Emma's pressure and anxiety, but it's that scene with Ms. Deneuve and the final shot of the film that carry the most weight.

We get a glimpse of the pain and physical extremes required of these world class performers, and we also understand that the dance companies are the closest most get to real friendship and family. The stunning photography and bold use of colors and lighting are quite effective in helping us separate the woman from the dancer. It's a terrific message and especially on point today.