Cunningham

PG

Released Dec 13, 2019

1 hr. 33 min.

Documentary

Biography

Music

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89%

62 Reviews

Tomatometer

71%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

The artistic evolution of Merce Cunningham -- from his early years as a struggling dancer in postwar New York to his emergence as one of the world's most visionary choreographers.

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Critics Consensus

Cunningham may frustrate viewers hoping for a purer distillation of its subject's work, but it remains a solid tribute to a brilliant talent.

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Audience Member

It was okay. Some beautiful vision scenes but eventually I lost interest.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

ranny l

Cunningham is an immersive documentary about the early years and artistic development of legendary American dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham. The film is thought-provoking and artistically beautiful. Cunningham is a work of art in and of itself and a journey exploring the development of modern dance. The film highlights Merce Cunningham's dancing from 1942 to 1972. Artistic innovation and expression is its central theme. Time and space play important roles in the movements between the dancers themselves and their interaction with various settings. The settings for the various dances are as important as any character in the film; I particularly enjoy the outdoor performances with their natural environment. The movie is available in 3D, but I previewed this film in 2D and found it quite moving. Dance is a very visual experience and director/editor Alla Kovgan gives us a breathtaking story. I love the blending of archival footage and live action in the film, which is perfection and gives you a feeling for the time period. The choreographic collaboration by Jennifer Goggans and Robert Swinston for this documentary is on point and brings another critical element to this story. The music adds emotion and depth with original music for the film composed by renowned Volker Bertelmann. The message of this film is about exploring self expression and collaboration with others. Merce Cunningham saw his dancers as individuals first and dancers second. He valued their opinions and collaborated with many other artists in various fields such as his long standing friend, composer John Cage and with the iconic Andy Warhol. As a dancer, I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, as well as adults and dance enthusiasts. Reviewed by Selene W., KIDS FIRST! reporter

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Its my first introduction to Cunningham and I like it. Beautiful movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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el rolfador

Very compelling especially for people with a special interest in Dance and ours. Even if you’re not a dance aficionado, it’s visually arresting and portrays a very different kind of genius.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/20

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vicki M

Incredible filming and light and nature. Art at its best. Exquisite dancers and interesting history of Merce. Very engaging.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/20

Full Review

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Alla Kovgan

Director

Carolyn Brown

Self

John Cage

Self

Ashley Chen

Self

Brandon Collwes

Self

Dylan Crossman

Self

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Cunningham: Trailer 1

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Kate Erbland

indieWire

Even decades since creation, Cunningham's choreography still stuns... Stripped away from convention and without explanation, it flies, but stuck inside tired modes of storytelling, it only stumbles.

Rated: B-

Mar 26, 2020

Full Review

Danny Leigh

Financial Times

If Kovgan's sharp restagings in subway tunnels and spartan woods are inventive, so too is her handling of archive footage, her subject found in motion inset on screen alongside scribbled notes, as if alive inside a scrapbook.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 18, 2020

Full Review

Debra Craine

Times (UK)

[A] delightful - if occasionally baffling - portrait of one of the most revolutionary creative artists of the 20th century.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 16, 2020

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Michael Cuby

them.

One of the most riveting documentaries I saw in 2019, Cunningham tells the immersive story of Merce Cunningham.

Oct 3, 2022

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

Stuff.co.nz

Cunningham is maybe one for the fans only, but I was pretty engrossed for most of it.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 22, 2020

Full Review

Yago García

Cinemanía (Spain)

While the lack of context is irksome (there are no mentions of Balanchine, Martha Graham or Twyla Tharp), the film also works as a portrait of two unique personalities. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 12, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

The artistic evolution of Merce Cunningham -- from his early years as a struggling dancer in postwar New York to his emergence as one of the world's most visionary choreographers.

Director: Alla Kovgan
Executive Producer: Oli Harbottle, Stephanie Dillon, Andreas Roald
Screenwriter: Alla Kovgan
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Achtung Panda! Media, Doco Digital, Arsam International, Bord Cadre Films
Rating: PG (Some Smoking)
Genre: Documentary, Biography, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 13, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 3, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $265.0K
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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