Crystal Pite "The Revisor"


In this blog post, I will critique the trailer of Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young's "The Revisor".

After watching the trailer initially, the central aspect that stood out to me was the intense and emotional atmosphere created by both the performers and Owen Belton's composition. Through the extract, dancers almost constantly portrayed extremes or exaggerated emotions on their faces, whether it be anger, joy, grief or jealousy. 

(Slobodian, 2020)
As the trailer progressed, I got the impression the piece may have an underlying theme of war or conflict in a historical setting. I concluded that quite a few dancers wore military uniforms or period-influenced costumes. In contrast, there were some dancers in modern contemporary costumes. Regarding props, Pite has incorporated many furniture pieces, such as a couch, desk, candles, and free-standing doors. Pite's use of props and dim lighting helps shift the focus inwards and onto the dancers and the message they're trying to convey, whatever that may be. The high-pitched, suspenseful and dramatic music added to the suspense and impending disaster the trailer implies.

The choreography featured in the trailer was heavily focused on storytelling through acting using simple movements; this intense storytelling correlates well with the fierce emotion portrayed on the dancers' faces. Much of the content also seems to be done in unison, which I feel adds to the build-up of emotion. Partner work also features prominently, including lifts. Some of the clips are also put in slow motion, allowing the viewer to really experience the movement and emanating an ominous atmosphere.

After watching this trailer, I felt intrigued and disturbed to unravel the context behind Pite's intense, emotionally amplified piece.


Bibliography:


Kidd Pivot - Revisor Trailer. (2019) Video. kiddpivot. Canada


Slobodian, M. (2020) Revisor – Crystal Pite / Jonathon Young. Movement Exposed. Available at: https://www.elbalandre.cat/index.php/2020/03/14/revisor-crystal-pite-jonathon-young/ (Accessed: 15 January 2024).


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