The life and art of Rudolph Nureyev, as presented in this fictionalized story by writer David Hare and director Ralph Fiennes, unfortunately doesn’t do justice to the talent of the great dancer. From a tough childhood to the famed Kirov Ballet to stardom after his defection to the West in 1961, this is a story of talent, determination and passion, but one that doesn’t make the viewer feel it. Real life ballet dancer Oleg Ivenko tries hard as Nureyev, but you feel as if he’s acting. Fiennes gives an understated but moving and melancholy performance as Nureyev’s teacher, and steals the show when he is on screen. A better bet for viewing is “Nureyev,” the documentary I wrote about last month.
