Photo Courtesy of Amazon
Many girls, at one point in their life, fell in love with the idea of being a ballerina. Something about the delicately gliding bodies, pink pointe shoes, tight buns and the most perfectly defined faces makes it so appealing. Ballet is beautiful in a very feminine, dainty and romantic way. But it is still a form of art after all, something that is meant to be viewed, analyzed and picked apart under the human gaze. Achieving the beauty of ballet often takes sacrifice, whether it is of one’s own self-perception, or their relationships with others. And when making this choice, one must decide if they want to forge their own path or continue with what they originally thought they wanted.
“Birds of Paradise,” an Amazon Prime exclusive movie, is a film revolving around the complex, dark and sensual relationship between ballerinas Kate Sanders, played by Diana Silvers, and Marine Durand, played by Kristen Froseth. They are both American girls in Paris, competing for an opportunity to dance with the company of the Opera national de Paris. Initially, Kate and Marine aren’t on the best terms, establishing their status as enemies. But even then, there was a sort of chemistry between the two as they analyzed each other’s movements in a longing manner.
As their relationship evolves into what viewers could call friendship, elements come into play about the true nature of ballet; it is exhausting and potentially toxic. Eating disorders, emotionally and physically abusive parents, bribery and the idea that despite working the hardest among your peers, people are chosen due to notoriety and connections are exposed in this film. Throughout their struggle with this lifestyle, Marine and Kate find solace within each other.
While the dynamic between the girls was portrayed in a beautiful way, the actual dancing wasn’t quite ballet. There were lyrical movements and gothic images that made the dance spooky and fascinating to observe, but the true rigors of ballet and the actual movements were not represented. Yet, the movie did an excellent job in accurately depicting elements of ballet culture that are dangerously romanticized, which many people can appreciate.
At the end of the film there is a scene performed by Kate and choreographed by Marine which leaves viewers with a sort of closure, but also an unfinished story. There is still so much growth to occur in the relationship between the two girls, but it’s not something viewers will ever see.
Something about Kristen Froseth’s beauty and charisma makes her the perfect example of a manic pixie dream girl. The relationship between the two girls showed they can learn from each other while also learning about themselves.
