Nijinsky (1980)
Herbert Ross's biographical drama charts the blazing rise and devastating fall of ballet's most legendary genius.
Nijinsky - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Herbert Ross
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Music, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 20, 1980 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Hera Productions, Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Nijinsky - Plot
A ballet dancer struggles with his homosexuality and the increasing allure of a young ballerina who seeks to draw him away from his domineering lover.
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Nijinsky - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Herbert Ross
Main Cast
- Alan Bates
- George De La Pena
- Leslie Browne
- Carla Fracci
- Ronald Pickup
- Ronald Lacey
- Jeremy Irons
- Vernon Dobtcheff
- Janet Suzman
- Colin Blakely
Writers
- Romola Nijinsky
- Hugh Wheeler
Producers
- Stanley O'Toole
- Nora Kaye
Nijinsky - FAQs
Is Nijinsky based on a true story?
Yes, Nijinsky is based on the real life of Vaslav Nijinsky, one of history's greatest ballet dancers. The film draws on the memoir written by his wife Romola Nijinsky, exploring his passionate relationship with impresario Sergei Diaghilev, his marriage, and his eventual descent into mental illness.
Who plays Vaslav Nijinsky in the 1980 film?
George De La Pena takes on the iconic role of Vaslav Nijinsky. A trained ballet dancer himself, De La Pena brought remarkable physical authenticity to the part. Alan Bates stars opposite him as the powerful impresario Sergei Diaghilev, whose controlling relationship with Nijinsky drives much of the drama.
What is Nijinsky (1980) about?
Nijinsky chronicles the turbulent life of legendary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, caught between his intense, possessive relationship with Ballets Russes founder Sergei Diaghilev and his growing attraction to a young ballerina. The film weaves together themes of artistic genius, sexual identity, obsessive love, and the psychological unraveling of a singular talent.
What caused Nijinsky's real-life mental breakdown?
The real Vaslav Nijinsky was diagnosed with schizophrenia around 1919 and spent much of the rest of his life in psychiatric care. Historians and biographers point to a combination of factors: the emotional rupture of his break with Diaghilev, the pressures of his extraordinary career, and what appears to have been a serious underlying mental illness.
Who are the main actors in Nijinsky?
The cast is genuinely impressive. Alan Bates and George De La Pena lead the film, with strong support from Leslie Browne, Carla Fracci, Ronald Pickup, Ronald Lacey, and a young Jeremy Irons as choreographer Mikhail Fokine. Janet Suzman and Colin Blakely round out this richly assembled ensemble.
Where can you watch Nijinsky (1980)?
You can watch Nijinsky on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. The film is available to rent or buy across all these platforms, so finding a way to stream or download it for a night in should be pretty straightforward.
What is the age rating for Nijinsky?
Nijinsky is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's mature themes, including its frank depiction of a same-sex relationship, sexual content, and the psychological intensity surrounding Nijinsky's mental deterioration. It is intended for adult audiences.
What are films similar to Nijinsky (1980)?
If Nijinsky resonates with you, consider exploring Wilde (1997), another portrait of a brilliant artist undone by love and society's constraints, or Mysterious Skin (2005) and Kinsey (2004) for their nuanced explorations of sexuality and identity. The World According to Garp (1982) offers a similarly literary, emotionally layered experience.
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