Nijinsky (1980)

40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
25% of users liked it
(61 ratings)

The deeper, broader issues behind the rise and fall of one of the world's greatest ballet dancers and choreographers, Vaslav Nijinksy (1888-1950), is not at the fulcrum of this two-hour British biographical drama. Director Herbert Ross and screenwriter Hugh Wheeler base the film on Nijinsky's… More The deeper, broader issues behind the rise and fall of one of the world's greatest ballet dancers and choreographers, Vaslav Nijinksy (1888-1950), is not at the fulcrum of this two-hour British biographical drama. Director Herbert Ross and screenwriter Hugh Wheeler base the film on Nijinsky's diaries and his wife's book Nijinsky but what they portray are the years between 1912-1913 and Nijinsky's affair with Sergei Diaghliev, his mentor and the impresario and founder of Ballets Russes. With the life of the great man (played by dancer George de la Pena) explained via the dominant, impossible personality of Diaghliev and the love of his wife (Leslie Browne), there is no room for larger questions. The business and politics and especially the homosexuality that are involved with the art of ballet are also given primary focus. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 5 min.
Directed By: Herbert Ross
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Drama

In Theaters: Mar 20, 1980 Wide
On DVD: Nov 16, 1994

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
... this unorthodox documentary works for those who have a sensitivity to the artist and to his struggles against such a cold and indifferent world.
David Noh, Film Journal International
It's arty to a fault and also a complete mess, the kind of thing that could make even the staunchest aesthete yearn for a Hollywood action flick.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A bold and imaginatively realized profile of a defiant artist slowly sinking into madness.