Tango Lesson, The (1997)

reviewed by
Ben Hoffman


                             THE TANGO LESSON

While the story is an integral part of the film, the real joy is in the exquisite dancing, Sally Potter, best known for her film, ORLANDO, the writer and director, wanted to combine her life experiences with a tinge of unreality. A film maker since she was a teenager, as well as a professional dancer, she fell under the spell of the tango . . . as will you when you see this film.

Realizing that she must have authenticity to bring off the film she decided to ask the renowned Argentinean tango dancer, Pablo Veron, for dancing lessons. In return she promised to put him in a film, his first leading role. They shortly became dancing partners and eventually he and she starred in the film with exciting choreography by Veron.

Sleek, slick and sexy, the tango is a delight to behold when in the hands of dancers who know and understand the subtleties of that dance; the closeness of the dancers, the sexy kicks between the partner's legs, and the smooth moves to the driving rhythm are a joy both to the dancer and the audience. While not all of the tango's origins are known, it is a fact that it first showed up in the barrios of Buenos Aires, as well as the bars and brothels. And that it is definitely ethnic with overtones of African dancing and footwork.

Both Potter and Vernon dance up a storm and, in the end, that is what is best about the film. Watching them go through their steps is worth the price of admission, story or not. Provocative and entrancing, the dance will grip you in its fascinating twists and turns.

              Written and directed by Sally Potter.
3 Bytes
4 Bytes = Superb
3 Bytes = Too good to miss
2 Bytes = Average
1 Byte  = Save your money
                    Copyright 1997               Ben Hoffman

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