“William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet”
4/1/2009
Pat Buckley recently produced and co-directed “William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet.” Produced by our friends at Special Entertainment, the film features Shatner, Ben Folds, Henry Rollins and Joe Jackson and is described on the Special Entertainment site as:
“… a documentary about legendary Tony Award-winning choreographer Margo Sappington’s quest to create a ballet set to the music of William Shatner’s critically acclaimed album Has Been (produced and co-written with Ben Folds).
The film explores the genesis of this unique artistic collaboration by fusing the music, poetry, and dance of the finished ballet, Common People, with interviews of William Shatner, Ben Folds, Margo Sappington, and Henry Rollins.
The World Premiere took place at the 40th Anniversary of the Nashville International Film Festival. The sold-out show received a standing ovation and extremely positive reviews from local and national media, as well as winning the 2009 NaFF President’s Impact Award. Shatner, his wife Elizabeth, Ben Folds, and Sheryl Crow were all on hand for the premiere.
William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet recently screened at the Marbella International Film Festival in Spain, where it won the award for Best Documentary.
Some early reviews:
“A surprisingly revealing doc that suggests the full depths of Shatner’s self-awareness and — no kidding — artistic aspirations.” — Joe Leydon, Variety
“When the lights went up, there were cheers. Shatner comes across as a true original.” — Mark Rabinowitz, indieWIRE
“Despite the jaunty nature of the title, William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet is a profoundly bittersweet work.” — Richard Ouzounian, The Toronto Star