Rudolf Nureyev Movies
Matchless Russian ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev had a passing relationship with films as early as 1958, when as a member of the Kirov Ballet (later the Saint Petersburg Ballet), he was prominently featured in the Soviet short subject Le Corsaire. After his defection to the West in 1961, Nureyev confined his activities to the ballet stage, most often in collaboration with longtime partner Margot Fonteyn. Fortunately, there are several filmed records of Nureyev at work, even though they make no great cinematic breakthroughs: An Evening With the Royal Ballet (1963), Romeo and Juliet (1966), Swan Lake (1967), Sleeping Beauty (1970), and Don Quixote (1973). Nureyev's best film work, both in terms of ballet and in showing his nonperforming "human" side, was the 1973 documentary I Am a Dancer. He also contributed a brace of dramatic performances, first in Ken Russell's Valentino (1973) (his Rudolph Valentino was far more blatantly erotic, and a lot nuder, than the genuine article), then in 1983's Exposed, in which Nureyev, in the role of a musician, has a mind-boggling scene in which he "plays" Nastassja Kinski's body like a violin. Even more curious was Rudolph Nureyev's onscreen credit as choreographer for the low-budget adventure film The Invincible Six (1968); it's not exactly clear whether he choreographed the flying bullets or the spurting bloodpacks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2007
This production of Prokofiev's Cinderella features choreography originally created by the legendary Rudolf Nureyev, and stars such respected dancers as Agnes Letestu, Laetitia Pujol, Jose Martinez, and Wilfried Romoli. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Agnès Letestu
Choreographed by the legendary Rudolf Nureyev, this production of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake features Karl Paquette dancing one of the main parts. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Agnès Letestu, José Martinez, (more)
- 2002
In this documentary filmed to celebrate the works of acclaimed ballet producer Rudolf Nureyev, the Opéra National de Paris performs on stage as conductor Vello Pähn leads the Les Etioles, les Premiers Danseurs, le Corps de Ballet et l'Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris in musical accompaniment. Isabelle Guérin, Elisabeth Platel, and Laurent Hilaire are the featured dancers. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Isabelle Guerin, Élisabeth Platel, (more)
- 2002
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Rudolf Nureyev's Don Quichotte presents a three act ballet choreographed by the dancing legend and inspired by many different passages in the classic Cervantes novel Don Quixote. The original music was composed by Ludwig Minkus, and this arrangement was orchestrated by John Lanchbery. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Aurélie Dupont, Manuel Legris, (more)
- 1999
This video features Russian-born ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev performing some of his signature roles. Nureyev was born in 1938, and made his professional debut in 1958. His graceful and athletic style captivated ballet audiences. In 1963, while dancing in Paris, he defected from the Soviet Union. He remained a force as a dancer and teacher until his death in 1993. Nureyev dances here in Flower Festival in Genzano, Le Corsaire, Diana and Acteon, La Esmerelda, Black Swan, and Swan Lake. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1999
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Dancer's Dream: The Great Ballets of Rudolf Nureyev - Raymonda documents a performance of the ballet produced at the Opera National De Paris. The dance was choreographed and stage directed by the legendary Nureyev. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Some of ballet's top stars spent their early years at the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, and in this program, some of their work from that era can be seen. Glory of the Kirov is a compilation of performances collected from Russian archival sources, including appearances by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolph Nureyev, and Natalia Makarova. Footage includes selections from Khatchaturian's Spartacus, Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, and Glazunov's Raymonda. The program offers an opportunity to see many of ballet's legendary performers. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1994
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This production of the three act ballet La Bayadere is directed and choreographed by the legendary Rudolf Nureyev. The three characters who figure in the love triangle that comprises the plot are danced by Isabelle Guerin, Laurent Hilaire, and Elisabeth Platel. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Directed by Patricia Foy, this documentary chronicles the ups and downs of the revolutionary ballet star Rudolf Nureyev's career, from his poverty-ridden childhood, to his life as a ballet student, to the defection which led him to some of the greatest roles he would take on. This DVD also examines Nureyev's professional relationship with Margot Fonteyn, his rumored depression, and his overall effect on modern dance.
~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Margot Fonteyn, Ninette de Valois, (more)
The Margot Fonteyn Story is the only authorized documentary about British ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn, released during the year of her death. Fonteyn herself serves as the narrator, recalling the high points of her nearly 50-year career in dance. Features interviews with Rudolf Nureyev, Robert Helpmann, and Frederick Ashton. Includes home movies, archival footage, and a personal discussion about her marriage to a Panamanian diplomat. Some of the dance excerpts come from Sleeping Beauty, Ondine, and Giselle. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ninette de Valois, Frederick Ashton, (more)
- 1987
The Paris Opera Ballet performs this 1987 version of Sergei Prokofiev's ballet Cinderella. Based on the fairy tale by Perrault, the story has been adapted by renowned choreographer Rudolf Nureyev to reflect the art deco style and temperament of the 1930s. Starring Paris Opera Ballet principal dancer Sylvie Guillem as Cinderella. Music provided by the Orchestre national de l'opera de Paris. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paris Ballet Opera Company, Sylvia Guillem, (more)
- 1987
Ballet legend and choreographer Yvette Chauvire is the subject of this informative documentary that traces her career from the beginning when she burst upon the scene with her 1937 debut, La Mort Du Cygne. Her 1972 farewell performance at the Paris Opera concluded her dancing career. Famed composer Henri Suageut tells the visiting Yvette "I hear my music in your movements." Curiously, an interview with Rudolf Nureyev gives little insight or interest on the dancers or their performance art. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Isabelle Guerin
- 1985
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This performance video from Kultur is a collection of highlights from famous dance partners Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. Clips include Le Corsaire, Les Sylphides, and Romeo and Juliet. Narrated by Robert Powell. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Powell
- 1983
- R
Exposed is the film in which concert violinist Rudolf Nureyev grabs his bow and "plays" the lissome body of Nastassja Kinski. This may well stand as the silliest bit of erotica in screen history, but in the context of the film it's a model of restraint. We're asked to believe that Kinski is Elizabeth Carlson, a Wisconsin girl who has come to the big city to make it as a pianist or model. We're also supposed to be convinced that Nureyev is part-time espionage agent Daniel Jelline, who is determined to bring terrorist Rivas (Harvey Keitel) to justice. Much of the film takes place in Paris, where at least the scenery is lovely. The various plotlines and characters never quite congeal. Despite the fact that director James Toback is given sole screenplay credit, the film seems more like a "committee" project. To its credit, Exposed is never dull; with that cast, how could anyone fall asleep? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nastassja Kinski, Rudolf Nureyev, (more)
- 1982
This performance of the ballet Marco Spada was recorded live at the Rome Opera House in January of 1982, and features performance by Rudolf Nureyev, Ghislaine Thesmar, and Michael Denard. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rudolf Nureyev, Ghislaine Thesmar, (more)
The Royal Ballet performs Tchaikovski's classic Swan Lake in this performance featuring designs by the late Leslie Hurry and lead performances by acclaimed dancers Natalia Makarova and Anthony Dowell. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Natalya Makarova, Anthony Dowell, (more)
- 1982
A superb performance of Prokofiev's ballet, choreographed and performed by Nureyev and the ballet company of La Scala in Milan. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1980
Adolphe Adam's two-act ballet dances off of the stage and onto the screen with this release of a performance captured live at the Corpo di Ballo del Teatro dell'Opera in Rome in February of 1980. Composer Alberto Ventura leads the Orchestra del Teatro dell'Opera, and Carla Fracci, Rudolph Nureyev, and Ida Menozzi star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1979
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The story of a girl's ghost who tries to destroy the man who betrayed. Legend Nureyev stars. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rudolf Nureyev, Lynn Seymour, (more)
- 1977
- R
Rudolph Valentino, born in Italy in 1895 as Alfonzo Raffaele Pierre Philibert Guglielmi, emigrated to the U.S. and became for a time the reigning male romantic lead of the silent-film era. He died in 1926, having led a short, troubled and tempestuous life which included several stints in prison. The crowds surrounding his coffin before and during his funeral were among the largest ever seen in the U.S. In this film, Ken Russell has used events from the famous actor's life as the basis for an extended meditation on the nature of stardom, and especially on what it means to be a sex idol. Beginning and ending with the funeral of Valentino (Rudolf Nureyev), the story chronicles his rise to Hollywood stardom from life as an Italian emigrant dishwasher and show-dancer. Often embroiled in controversies about his manliness (or perceived lack of ), in the film he dies as a result of internal injuries suffered in a boxing match he fought in to defend his honor. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rudolf Nureyev, Leslie Caron, (more)
- 1974
Enjoy this Royal Ballet performance directed by Nureyev with cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth. ~ All Movie Guide
