THE CIRCUS DYNASTY (Anders Riis-Hansen, Denmark). 93 minutes. Rating: NNNNN
The big top contains some big drama in this entertaining look at two famous European circus families who’ve staked their futures on their two attractive children.
Merrylu Casselly and Patrick Berdino grew up hating each other but then suddenly fell in love, winning prestigious awards with their jaw-dropping acrobatic duets, all the while snogging backstage. When a rift appears, the families reassess their destinies. After all, Casselly patriarch René, whom the camera adores, has been fielding offers from America.
Balanced, expertly structured and filled with home movie footage that provides fascinating backstory (also love Jonas Colstrup‘s evocative score), The Circus Dynasty provides a thrilling look at a bizarre subculture where people have incredibly flexible bodies and know how to get elephants to shit on cue, but can’t always express themselves verbally.
Apr 25, 6:30 pm, TIFF 3 Apr 26, 1 pm, Isabel Bader May 1, 4 pm, Isabel Bader
