Writer/director/producer Chris Herrmann's interviews at the time this film was released indicate that he was one of Martha Graham's last employees and confidantes, and his affection for the modern dance giant is evident in this frothy homage to Graham and the woozy NYC art/dance world of the late 20th century. Showcasing a hysterical (and surprisingly touching) performance by Richard Move as the legendary "Martha" (legends don't need surnames, after all) and co-starring downtown performance powerhouse Ann Magnuson as the intrepid reporter out to "docu" her, Herrmann keeps us moving on a whirlwind tour around Manhattan, with tasty cameos from Debbie Harry (shopping for important jewelry, no less!), Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Morris, among others. The crowd at the Tribeca Film festival loved this one and you will too!
16 Reviews
An original and intriguing portrait of a creative genius at the end of her career
fiona-morris3 February 2005
This film is an original and intriguing portrait of Martha Graham one of the most visionary founders of modern contemporary dance.
Featuring an extraordinary central performance by Richard Move as Martha in her later years. The film manages to convey the drive, ambition and obstinacy of this enormous creative force now challenged by age, financial difficulties and a rapidly changing world. Directed and co written by Chris Herrmann, shot on Super 16mm, the film mimics the form of a documentary profile but is beautifully shot and gives a great insight into the ongoing innate drama of this great artist's life.
The film which opened the Tribeca Film Festival was also presented at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic and will shortly be issued on DVD - A definite must for all dance aficionado's and art film audiences alike.
Featuring an extraordinary central performance by Richard Move as Martha in her later years. The film manages to convey the drive, ambition and obstinacy of this enormous creative force now challenged by age, financial difficulties and a rapidly changing world. Directed and co written by Chris Herrmann, shot on Super 16mm, the film mimics the form of a documentary profile but is beautifully shot and gives a great insight into the ongoing innate drama of this great artist's life.
The film which opened the Tribeca Film Festival was also presented at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic and will shortly be issued on DVD - A definite must for all dance aficionado's and art film audiences alike.
Ghostlight, a biopic of the life and work of Martha Graham
TeddyLA2 February 2005
I saw "Ghostlight" at the Mill Valley Film Festival last year. It was one of the most innovative, provocative and inspiring art films I've seen in a long time.
Richard Move was a brilliant casting idea from Director, Christopher Herrmann. His performance of Martha was uncanny and I immediately bought into the fact that a man was playing her and suspended my disbelief.
I thought the recreated archival film of Martha Graham was brilliant, on the level of Woody Allen's Zelig.
The film was both funny, poignant and educational. I thought Ann Magunson's Character really brought focus to the film and she's never looked hotter. Her character, a filmmaker, follows Martha and captures what may be the diva's last ballet.
Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Morris were wonderful as well. I could have done without the Deborah Harry cameo, it seem a little tacked on. The acting in some of the smaller roles, especially some of the dancers in "Martha's" company were a bit amateurish but I felt the same about Altman's "The Company" so I guess this can be expected when dancers are asked to act. Eric Kastel, who plays James, Martha's company manager and rock, got much better as the film when on. He was weak in the beginning and he took me out of the film a few times.
By the end of the "Ghostlight" I was quite moved by the message of the sacrifice that a true genius makes for his or her art.
The cinematography was stunning, using a mixture of B&W film for the flashbacks of Martha's marriage and breakup with Eric Hawkins and the lush 35mm color film for the stage performance scenes. The film has several layers to it and each one has it's own look and feel.
Not sure I should comment on other reviews but that guy SonnyKUSA who said that the film was made in conjunction with the Martha Graham Estate should get his facts straight. I noticed the film had a disclaimer at the end of the credits that says, "This film is in no way connected to the Martha Graham Entities" he also says the film was shot on video, huh???
Has anyone noticed that the user rating on ghostlight is 5 stars and almost everyone who made comments and voted gave it 9 or 10 stars? Doesn't that seem strange? It must be an IMDb error. IMDb will you correct this?
Richard Move was a brilliant casting idea from Director, Christopher Herrmann. His performance of Martha was uncanny and I immediately bought into the fact that a man was playing her and suspended my disbelief.
I thought the recreated archival film of Martha Graham was brilliant, on the level of Woody Allen's Zelig.
The film was both funny, poignant and educational. I thought Ann Magunson's Character really brought focus to the film and she's never looked hotter. Her character, a filmmaker, follows Martha and captures what may be the diva's last ballet.
Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Morris were wonderful as well. I could have done without the Deborah Harry cameo, it seem a little tacked on. The acting in some of the smaller roles, especially some of the dancers in "Martha's" company were a bit amateurish but I felt the same about Altman's "The Company" so I guess this can be expected when dancers are asked to act. Eric Kastel, who plays James, Martha's company manager and rock, got much better as the film when on. He was weak in the beginning and he took me out of the film a few times.
By the end of the "Ghostlight" I was quite moved by the message of the sacrifice that a true genius makes for his or her art.
The cinematography was stunning, using a mixture of B&W film for the flashbacks of Martha's marriage and breakup with Eric Hawkins and the lush 35mm color film for the stage performance scenes. The film has several layers to it and each one has it's own look and feel.
Not sure I should comment on other reviews but that guy SonnyKUSA who said that the film was made in conjunction with the Martha Graham Estate should get his facts straight. I noticed the film had a disclaimer at the end of the credits that says, "This film is in no way connected to the Martha Graham Entities" he also says the film was shot on video, huh???
Has anyone noticed that the user rating on ghostlight is 5 stars and almost everyone who made comments and voted gave it 9 or 10 stars? Doesn't that seem strange? It must be an IMDb error. IMDb will you correct this?
Legendary choreographer Martha Graham's story undone by botched script & direction...but give Richard Move his due as 'Martha'
SONNYK_USA22 June 2004
Legendary choreographer Martha Graham's story undone by botched script & direction...but give Richard Move his due as 'Martha'. This film screened at the 2nd annual Tribeca film festival in 2003 and at long last is getting a NYC release, since that's where it'll find its most appreciative audience. Unfortunately, this film will only please die-hard fans of Graham and will infuriate those who continually support art-cinema only be disappointed by inept execution. If you enjoy dance, then Robert Altman's "The Company" (now on DVD) gives a better idea of this microcosm of society, and it's directed by a master. In "Ghost Light" (shot on video) was done with the permission of the Graham estate. Martha passed on in 1991, but I'm sure that anyone who passes her memorial when this film opens will distinctly feel the earth move as she rolls in her grave...for dance die-hards only!
Who'd a thunk it? But it works!
bicho72 February 2005
A friend convinced me to see Ghostlight at the Tribeca Festival in '03. A cross- dressed Martha Graham bio pic? Come on! I walked in wondering if the film would fall into the Gimmick of the Year category - or just the Bad Idea category. Well hush my mouth. Friends, we've got us a whole new category here: Ghostlight is a gem - a daring idea pulled off with humor and style by a talented director and an improbable (but very talented) actor.
The cast is even and commendable, but overwhelmed by Richard Move as MG. That's probably as it should be. Graham was nothing if not overwhelming. Move manages not so much to portray his character as to bring her back from the dead. The effect is a bit eerie at first, but you soon get used to it and the film is entirely engrossing.
It's a very smart - and successful - approach to a difficult problem. (Who would you cast as Martha Graham? It can't be done!) The director - Christopher Herrmann - deserves credit for his vision and for his nerve.
Well, it's like this: If you never met Martha Graham, this is your chance. Ghostlight is a touching and memorable film - with a clever twist. Highly recommended.
The cast is even and commendable, but overwhelmed by Richard Move as MG. That's probably as it should be. Graham was nothing if not overwhelming. Move manages not so much to portray his character as to bring her back from the dead. The effect is a bit eerie at first, but you soon get used to it and the film is entirely engrossing.
It's a very smart - and successful - approach to a difficult problem. (Who would you cast as Martha Graham? It can't be done!) The director - Christopher Herrmann - deserves credit for his vision and for his nerve.
Well, it's like this: If you never met Martha Graham, this is your chance. Ghostlight is a touching and memorable film - with a clever twist. Highly recommended.
Ghostlight is illuminating
pjboetig2 February 2005
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this film; not knowing much about Martha Graham or dance, I went to see it expecting to be bored, lost, or asleep. In contrast (to my expectations) I found it to be a very entertaining film that really was very unique ... comedic and dramatic, while enlightening me on what a force that Martha Graham really was. Although, I discovered later, that there was some artistic license taken to capture her very lengthy career in a 2 hour movie, it is a movie that is well worth seeing to get an understanding of the impact that she has had on American dance and theater.
A very entertaining and unique film.
A very entertaining and unique film.
A unique look at an extraordinary life.
rlor3 February 2005
To be honest, I was peripherally involved with this production early on. My initial reaction to the notion of a dance legend played in drag, a sumptuous life filmed on a shoestring, a crazy-quilt chronology that inexplicably shifts time and tempo, and more dance per frame than any film since The Red Shoes, was no way! This is never gonna work! Well, guess what kids? It does! And beautifully! Seeing it on the big screen with a tough, discerning New York audience dispelled all doubts. The laughs were hearty, the dance editing and music were powerful and my overall experience ran the gamut from genuine surprise to extreme satisfaction with the rich characterizations and compelling storytelling. Congratulations to all. Looking back on my initial negative prejudgement, I've never been so happy to be so wrong.
A must-see!
Fred-4543 February 2005
This film accurately portrays Graham's life as seen by the people who knew her best. It is a first-person biography done by people who worked with her. It is also very entertaining. So, it is a must-see for anyone interested in entertainment/art history, especially for those who missed seeing Graham work while she was still alive. Don't miss it! The performance of the lead roll has been reviewed as "Camp". This could be considered a valid criticism until you begin to consider who else might have done the subject matter better justice. Madonna was mentioned as the star but the match of her persona to Martha is a bit off-key. Who better to play her than a person who has studied her and made a career of impersonating her. Hats off to Christopher Herrmann for making this work!
more than a dance film
spicydumpling2 February 2005
intense treatment of one of martha graham's last dance performances. showcases the legendary choreographer and dancer through the eyes of a young journalist who is doing a piece on martha's life - who also happens to have been a student of martha's during martha's younger years. very nice parallel between the struggles of the character martha embodies in the dance and her own struggles as an aging woman and dancer. i found the dance sequences invigorating - but the film has enough humanness and depth to keep non-dance types like me entertained and even charmed. this film is definitely worth seeing, especially for richard move's spectacular performance. he makes a very compelling martha, although i must admit that i didn't think the costume/wig people did him justice in all scenes. added bonus: cameos by blondie and isaac mizrahi.
Very surprising picture . . .
lyle-saunders6 February 2005
Wasn't quite sure what GHOSTLIGHT was all about when I went to see it at the Tribeca Film Festival last year and was totally blown away by the picture. Really enjoyed watching Richard Move's portrayal of Martha Graham -- and think Martha would, too. Lots of emotional moments, tears and a surprising number of belly laughs! Was very impressed with photography and photographic direction. Some "documentary" footage was so realistic that a number of viewers walked away assuming that it actually was. Am looking forward to the soundtrack CD -- the original score is absolutely beautiful. All in all, a very moving and satisfying movie experience.
a fictionalization of Martha graham's later years and tour.
dd9art3 February 2005
I loved this film, it's portrayal of Martha Graham (by Richard Move) was both reverent and camp. I was fascinated by the cinematography, and the recreation of what appeared to be very old footage was amazing. The dance sequences are dazzling. Christopher Herrmann's brilliant direction allows us a very intimate look at Martha the legend. His personal relationship with Martha offers a glimpse into Martha's off stage personna that is drawn from the heart and written with poignancy and humor. This film also offers a glimpse back into the 70's with wonderful character actors recreating the gliterati of those years. Despite some uneven moments, this first film from Mr. Herrmann and Ms. Fearon will make a wonderful addition to your DVD collection. It is sure to become a cult classic.
Beyond Expectations!
burnzaway15 February 2005
I had heard buzz about this film at the TriBeCa Film Festival, but often the hype leads to disappointment. In this case, it was the opposite - this is a gorgeous and very well made film. I walked into the theater tentative about the casting of Martha. I thought it gimmicky and expected it to create emotional distance. However, the savvy and unique directing style of Mr. Herrmann drew me into this unfamiliar world in such a way that I wanted to know more. I felt mysteriously led with beauty, humor, charisma and wit on this journey into the soul of a great life. The cinematography was incredible, as was the music, the set design
A well planned creation all around. I highly recommend this film and strongly suggest we keep an eye on Mr. Herrmann.
Informative and entertaining
gervaisalain7 February 2005
I found this movie interesting on many levels... The casting choice for Martha Graham was creative and original and brought the essence of her character to light.
The movie depicted the struggles faced by the inhabitants of the world of dance and , more broadly, faced by artists in general. As the story developed around the production of one of Graham's great works,I gained insight into her passion for her art. I was struck by the parallels that emerged between her own life and the work she produced for the stage. Many accolades to the director/producer for taking on such a courageous project.
The historical and artistic aspects of this film make it a movie not to be missed.
The movie depicted the struggles faced by the inhabitants of the world of dance and , more broadly, faced by artists in general. As the story developed around the production of one of Graham's great works,I gained insight into her passion for her art. I was struck by the parallels that emerged between her own life and the work she produced for the stage. Many accolades to the director/producer for taking on such a courageous project.
The historical and artistic aspects of this film make it a movie not to be missed.
More than just Martha
dawn-camner22 February 2005
I couldn't resist giving this one 10 stars. I LOVED this film. I honestly have nothing to compare it to; it's refreshingly original.
Unfortunately, I think that the content is something that some people just won't get. It isn't straight biographical or documentary, or completely about Matha Graham at all. It's about the essence of Martha as an artist (sounds cliché, but it's not). It's about art and humanity, and alright this is sounding really cliché, but trust me, the Martha quotes and dialog are quite moving and even profound. I've never seen a director pull off what was done with this film, and I've always hoped to see it. Here it is...music, dance, visual art, history, beauty, poetry and interpretation; all flowing together unselfconsciously. Excuse my fumbling for description, there aren't really words to describe it, you'll just have to see it for yourself!
Unfortunately, I think that the content is something that some people just won't get. It isn't straight biographical or documentary, or completely about Matha Graham at all. It's about the essence of Martha as an artist (sounds cliché, but it's not). It's about art and humanity, and alright this is sounding really cliché, but trust me, the Martha quotes and dialog are quite moving and even profound. I've never seen a director pull off what was done with this film, and I've always hoped to see it. Here it is...music, dance, visual art, history, beauty, poetry and interpretation; all flowing together unselfconsciously. Excuse my fumbling for description, there aren't really words to describe it, you'll just have to see it for yourself!
You'll love it, I did
fherrmann23 February 2005
I saw Ghostlight at the International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic this past summer. I just loved it. In fact,I saw it twice. I don't know what I expected, as I had gone to the festival to see as many films as I could and picked the ones I saw based on referrals, past reviews and frankly, how good the title sounded. The best movie I saw turned out to be Ghostlight. I particularly liked the fact that this independent film, unlike most others, was able to attract big names such as Isaac Mizrahi, Mark Morris and Anne Magnusen to act in it, along with the perfect star, Richard Move, an actor who portrays Martha Graham in his live act! This was a real treat, as you got the impression that you were really seeing Martha Graham! I would recommend this film to anyone who is interested in the arts. Christopher Herrmann has directed a real winner here.
Martha : Revealed
tennilleplz9 March 2005
Dance, the ultimate spectacle number. Sweeping us into landscapes extreme and sublime. Berkeley and Astaire did it their way and Martha did it her's. Herrmann's homage to Graham is at times hilarious and surreal without negating the integrity of this great artist's work. Move's larger-than-life portrayal of Martha is both insane and somehow appropriate, when considering all the statements made through this choreographer's pelvis. Delicious cameo's by Harry and Mizrahi both strengthen the film's intent and engage a less dance-savvy crowd. Raucous and irreverent, this film is a must see for everyone who has owned a dance-belt and for those of us who admire them.
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