The Turning Point (1977)
The Turning Point is a landmark film in the dance movie genre. It follows two former friends and ballerinas, one—Shirley MacLaine—who chose to have a family instead of a career, and the other—Anne Bancroft—who chose the career and is weighing the consequences of what she gave up. MacLaine’s daughter is also a ballerina, and as she pursues her dancing, she idolizes Bancroft rather than her own mother.
There’s nothing wrong with the two leading ladies’ acting, and the famous “catfight” scene makes the entire movie worth it, but as a dance movie, it’s not very convincing. MacLaine was a very good dancer in her heyday and actually knows ballet, but the movie never showcases her skills. To anyone who doesn’t know her background, her stature doesn’t make her training immediately apparent. If you know what you’re looking for, you can spot a ballerina out of a hundred strangers walking on the street. Bancroft’s willowy frame is showcased in the film, and she has the stature that would make her dance training stand out in a crowd, but in the dance world, a ballerina approaches retirement at thirty. Internally, Bancroft nails her character, but externally, a forty-five-year-old woman wouldn’t still be a prima ballerina.
The upside: Mikhail Baryshnikov. What a cutie pie! And while they are the minor leads of the movie, there are some beautiful dance scenes with Baryshnikov and Leslie Browne, real-life dancers. Plus, Tom Skerritt, who plays MacLaine’s husband, is two tons of handsome. Lots of eye candy in this one, and lots of dancing, so if that appeals to you, rent it during your next girls’ weekend! And don’t mind my criticism too much. I love dance movies, and very frequently they have flaws. Just have fun with it and enjoy the movie!
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Cinema Central Seleus B" for posting!
More Anne Bancroft movies here!
More Shirley MacLaine movies here!
There’s nothing wrong with the two leading ladies’ acting, and the famous “catfight” scene makes the entire movie worth it, but as a dance movie, it’s not very convincing. MacLaine was a very good dancer in her heyday and actually knows ballet, but the movie never showcases her skills. To anyone who doesn’t know her background, her stature doesn’t make her training immediately apparent. If you know what you’re looking for, you can spot a ballerina out of a hundred strangers walking on the street. Bancroft’s willowy frame is showcased in the film, and she has the stature that would make her dance training stand out in a crowd, but in the dance world, a ballerina approaches retirement at thirty. Internally, Bancroft nails her character, but externally, a forty-five-year-old woman wouldn’t still be a prima ballerina.
The upside: Mikhail Baryshnikov. What a cutie pie! And while they are the minor leads of the movie, there are some beautiful dance scenes with Baryshnikov and Leslie Browne, real-life dancers. Plus, Tom Skerritt, who plays MacLaine’s husband, is two tons of handsome. Lots of eye candy in this one, and lots of dancing, so if that appeals to you, rent it during your next girls’ weekend! And don’t mind my criticism too much. I love dance movies, and very frequently they have flaws. Just have fun with it and enjoy the movie!
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Cinema Central Seleus B" for posting!
More Anne Bancroft movies here!
More Shirley MacLaine movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Supporting Actress of 1977: Anne Bancroft
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Herbert Ross
Best Actress: Shirley MacLaine
Best Dramatic Screenplay