Hot Docs 2014: Before the Last Curtain Falls (Dork Shelf)

Originally Published at Dork Shelf

When the Belgian stage production Gardenia opened in 2010 it was a massive success: playing over 200 shows in 25 countries. The show is as much a performance art piece as it is cabaret, starring older gay and trans performers. The film follows the cast through their final performance and beyond, as they attempt to adapt and reintegrate themselves back into regular society after their final heart wrenching performance at home in Ghent.

Director Thomas Wallner has shot a gorgeous documentary (the performance pieces look outstanding), but the film seems to lack forward momentum throughout. The focus is more on performance than storytelling. These performers have led interesting lives, so the filmmakers’ choice to show us the troupe as a whole outside of the show instead of focusing on some of their stories dilutes the overall  impact and leads to a very superficial account. (more…)

May 7, 2014 | Categories: Documentary, Film Festival, Reviews | Tags: Before the Last Curtain Falls, Gardenia, Hot Docs, Hot Docs 2014 | Leave a comment