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John Cranko

Play trailer Poster for John Cranko 2024 2h 13m Biography Drama LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
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Upon his arrival at Stuttgart's State Theater in 1960, choreographer John Cranko does not yet suspect that this journey will change his life. As a homosexual, he has received hostile treatment in London; now the Stuttgart Ballet has invited him to serve as guest choreographer. Cranko's unconventional lifestyle attracts attention in the relatively provincial region: He smokes in the ballet studio, drinks excessively, and loves whoever he wants to love. Though his directing style also breaks with the classical ballet norm, his "Romeo & Juliet" is an initial sensation, and charismatic Cranko becomes the darling of the audience. He plunges headlong into the intoxication of his success: the limelight, the parties, the wildly enthusiastic "bravos!" Still, the superstar is unable to come to terms with his loneliness and sorrow. Cranko's meteoric rise to the top of the ballet world at New York's Metropolitan Opera goes hand in hand with private setbacks and losses -- and yet his unconditional love of dance, and of his company, propel him onward until his tragic, untimely death.

Critics Reviews

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Dennis Harvey Variety With a terrific performance by Sam Riley in the title role, this handsome production -- with no end of first-rate terpsichorean performance onscreen -- should reignite interest in a figure whose rising international stature got curtailed. Jan 22, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews
John Cranko

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Movie Info

Synopsis Upon his arrival at Stuttgart's State Theater in 1960, choreographer John Cranko does not yet suspect that this journey will change his life. As a homosexual, he has received hostile treatment in London; now the Stuttgart Ballet has invited him to serve as guest choreographer. Cranko's unconventional lifestyle attracts attention in the relatively provincial region: He smokes in the ballet studio, drinks excessively, and loves whoever he wants to love. Though his directing style also breaks with the classical ballet norm, his "Romeo & Juliet" is an initial sensation, and charismatic Cranko becomes the darling of the audience. He plunges headlong into the intoxication of his success: the limelight, the parties, the wildly enthusiastic "bravos!" Still, the superstar is unable to come to terms with his loneliness and sorrow. Cranko's meteoric rise to the top of the ballet world at New York's Metropolitan Opera goes hand in hand with private setbacks and losses -- and yet his unconditional love of dance, and of his company, propel him onward until his tragic, untimely death.
Director
Joachim Lang
Producer
Till Derenbach, Michael Souvignier
Screenwriter
Joachim Lang
Production Co
Zeitsprung Pictures
Genre
Biography, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language
German
Runtime
2h 13m