Amargosa
- Director: Todd Robinson
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Details
Description
In the early 1960s, dancer-choreographer Marta Becket fled the maddening crowd of New York to start the Amargosa Opera House in the middle of death valley. This documentary, directed by Todd Robinson, charts how her early career in New York progressed, her complicated relationship with her loving though dependant mother, and her ultimate artistic liberation in Death Valley. This film was a finalist for a 1999 Academy Award Nomination. Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
Features
- Genre: Culture & Society
- Category: Biography, Interpersonal Relationships, Jazz & Modern Dance
- Theme: Dancer's Life, Mothers and Daughters
- Release Date: June 19, 2007
- Studio: Cinequest
- Supporting Actors: Mary McDonnell
- Director: Todd Robinson
- Format: DVD
Additional Information
- DPCI: 246-00-0308
- ASIN: B002GB421O
- Catalog #: 11302380
- Item can not be gift wrapped.
Shipping & Policies
- You may return this item to any Target store.Opens in New Window
- Shipping & Delivery InformationOpens in New Window
- Estimated Ship Dimensions : 7.67 inches length x 5.42 inches width x 0.6 inches height
- Estimated Ship Weight: 0.22 pound.
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Expert Reviews
Marta Becket is such a fascinating person that it would be nearly impossible to create a boring documentary about her. So Todd Robinson deserves credit for almost accomplishing the impossible. His approach is far too heavy-handed and pious; this film could have been a lot more lighthearted and comic while still showing great respect for Becket. Indeed, Amargosa is a collection of poor filmmaking decisions ranging from the self-important voice-over narration to the totally inappropriate choice of an Aime Mann wannabe for the soundtrack. The narrative seems to lack a clear sense of direction as the film gets lost in digressions about topics such as the history of Death Valley Junction; also, the film dwells too much on Becket's childhood and failed marriage in an apparent attempt to pigeonhole her as an artist who has overcome personal pain through her art. Some of the interview segments last too long and sometimes the film seems to be beating the audience over the head with reminders that Becket is an amazing person. The end result seems like a short subject dragged out to feature length. Fortunately, Becket is a remarkable person so the film is still somewhat interesting despite its many flaws. The movie enables people who can't travel to Death Valley to see the Amargosa Opera House, including the elaborate mural that Becket painted (an impressive personal accomplishment even if it's not considered a great work of art) and excerpts from her dance performance, and to hear Becket describe her urge to create; that's sufficient to justify the existence of this film. Todd Kristel, All Movie Guide
