Bolshoi Babylon – Film Review

Directors: Nick Read, Mark Franchetti

Stars: Maria Alexandrova, Maria Allash, Sergei Filin

We are told at the start of this documentary that there are two brands that are world famous from Russia, the Bolshoi Ballet and the Kalashnikov rifle! The Bolshoi is an institution of Russian life, having started in 1776, and is something the Russian people are proud of as it is known to be the best in the world. As with most long standing institutions, there is much in fighting for control and the Bolshoi is certainly not exempt. This became international news when in 2013 the artistic director Sergei Filin was attacked. Acid was thrown in his face, and he suffered third degree burns, losing the sight in one eye. This documentary delves into this case, but also captures some of the power struggles at the top. It also tries to show what life is like for the dancers, people who dedicate their lives to this unpredictable art form.

This is a HBO documentary, and they received access to a lot of the main players in the organisation. The interviews are surprisingly candid, with the dancers telling of their fear of losing their powers. Ballet is for the young and the beautiful, we are told by one dancer, and to watch an old person dance is ugly. An unusual view of the world, but it is played out in the Bolshoi, who are constantly looking for the next star performer.

The main issue with this documentary is that it tries to do too much. With the type of access the film makers had, they had too many stories to tell, and it ends up just skimming along the surface and never truly breaking the water. The story of the acid attack of Filin was enough for any documentary, and if this was delved into in greater depth could have maintained the plot by itself. Instead, other issues such as corruption and political interference are mentioned but never developed. The story of one of the dancers could have been equally fascinating, but we get to meet a multitude of dancers and you never truly get to know any of them. As an insight into the difficulties of such institutions, it certainly delivers. Also the behind the scenes access to rehearsals, back stage before the performance and other oddities bring to life the passion these people have for their art. For any fan of Ballet it will be a delight, or for those who want to delve into the politics of the 240 year old institution!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TK8uth06SQ