The Tango Lesson

By Sally Potter

A screenplay by the writer/director of Orlando. A female film-maker, struggling with the writing of her new film, gradually abandons herself to the physical world of the tango, under the tutelage of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0571191665
• ISBN13: 9780571191666
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Length: 106 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

One of My Favorite Movies

I absolutely loved it because it's an adult love story told from an adult point of view. The two main characters have strong personalities, and because of their occupations, are used to being in control. They learn that in life, sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow. The cinematography is perfect; you only see what needs to be on screen, nothing superfuous. The same can be said about the dialogue. Sally Potter was involved in every aspect of her film: directing, writing, acting, dancing, writing music/lyrics, and singing. There is great chemistry between the two main characters and the music and dancing are wonderful. You won't be sorry you purchased it. The music will make you raptuous and the dancing will inspire you to dance.

love on the dance floor

This a great chick flick...we love films like this. No, it has no plot...we don't care ! It's about mismatched people falling in love, it's about the tango...Filmed in Paris and Buenos Aires, my favorite scenes are lesson #8 and when she dances with the handsome older man in the club. He's sensational, and I wish we could have seen more of him. Sally Potter is wonderful (see her beautiful "Orlando"), she's a very special talent and as the star of this film she's touching, strong, feminine, and radiant. Pablo Veron ! What a fabulous dancer. If you like any kind of dancing, watch this man. He's perfect for the part and makes the inevitability of her falling for him easy to believe...wouldn't we all ? and oh ! the last kiss...could you die and go to heaven or what ? I love this gorgeous, sensual, romantic film !

To set things straight...

I saw the Tango Lesson and found it a genuine work of Art. I recommend those who love good movies to watch this one. The Tango Lesson perhaps has a weak plot, but a film director isn't necessarily a story teller. The meta-narration which takes place in the Tango Lesson certainly makes this movie an advanced art product, which has nothing to do with the telling of actual occurrences, but rather focuses on the developing of Art itself in the mind and life of an Artist. In my opinion, one of the strong-points of this film is that it allows us to peek into the director's head, and see Art through her eyes (I can assure it's quite a sight). Some may interpret this film as an "exercise in self-indulgence," but personally, I think this approach misleading, in the age of the "Self." We're talking Art here, and Sally Potter is the Artist. Herself: no one else should be the starting point and centre of her own movie. The Lady knows how to direct, act, dance and sing: why shouldn't she do all of the above? I think she deserves much admiration: she's a well rounded Artist, and there aren't many! (Besides, as I've said already, to me the film is about Art and Life before anything else: the director uses her own experience and many skills to make a point and to get things done exactly how she wants them, but the movie isn't "about" Sally Potter.) Now to the point. The editing has character, it's intelligent, original, definitely not a Hollywood product. The photography is breathtaking - and eloquent: it says "the Tango Lesson is about Aesthetics, Beauty itself." The acting is honest, fresh, and charming. In my opinion, the acting is superb: Sally Potter really knows what measure and elegance are. The soundtrack is exquisite. The tango pieces are great, and so is the leitmotiv of the movie: the seagull-like cry in the airport scene tears my heart out every time I listen to it (it's also the one track that made me decide to buy the CD). This film, someone said, has little to offer the general public. I'm afraid this is accurate. Or rather, "the general public" probably would have some difficulty in tacklig this art-movie, which I don't believe was meant to give easy answers to difficult questions (like so many other films) but to make people think. Nonetheless, seeing this movie made me realise all over again that it's definitely worth trying.

One of the best films of the 90s

Director Sally Potter, who gave us the brilliant "Orlando, turns the camera on herself to give an intimate and often wrenching performance. Potter plays herself, a frustrated director desperately trying to finish a script she has no faith in. On a research trip to Paris, she sees Veron dancing the tango and instantly falls in love. She takes up the dance, and the story follows her around the world as she learns the art of the tango. The stunning camera work (shot mostly in black and white, but with haunting colour images as Potter imagines her screenplay coming to life)is breathtaking. There are so many moments of pleasure in this film: Potter and Veron dancing the tango along the Seine in Paris, in the rain in Argentina and in an abandoned barbershop. The soundtrack is a must as well. A masterpiece.

Striking movie that captures the spirit of the Tango

Most dance movies obscure the actual dancing in a barrage of MTV-quick-cut shots of heads and feet. This one doesn't. Why not? Because it doesn't have to. The dancers are terrific, and shooting them full-length, with the camera on them for minutes at a time, shows them and the Tango to advantage.After a distracting yet stylish introduction, the movie settles down into its intelligent portrayal of two exceptional people learning to love each other and dance together. The director wisely keeps the dialogue to a minimum, and lets the dancing tell the story. And what dancing! The Tango is a captivating dance to begin with, and these folks dance it with grace and passion. Pablo Veron has more screen presence than any other actor alive, and he's a world-class dancer to boot. Sally Potter, the movie's director who plays his partner is also an excellent tanguera. Did I say it before? The dancing is amazing!From the parks of Paris to the Tango salons of Buenos Aires, the characters speak to each other in French, Spanish, and English. This ain't Hollywood fare. No car chases, no pulling of heart strings, no wacky characters. Just striking cinematography, a fine, spare script, and delightful dancing. If you like beautiful things, you'll like this movie.