By Juan P. Voorduin
Mimi Garrard’s 23THSR is a mesmerizing dance film that continues Garrard’s exploration of the convergence of innovative dance techniques and visual effects with extravagant patterns.
The film features dancer Samuel Roberts, who performs to an enigmatic synth score by composer Tom Hamilton. Throughout the 10-minute piece, Roberts’ movements blend with shifting backdrops and repeated kaleidoscopic visuals, creating an almost hypnotic ambiance.
Similar to Causa Sui (one of Garrard’s previous films), 23THSR’s core strengths lie in the synergy of all its elements. This time, the contrast of Roberts’ golden costume against the mostly black background sets the stage for the mind-bending patterns resulting from its distorted, mirror-like visual effects. Hamilton’s score is the cherry on top, complementing the surreal atmosphere of the piece with its melancholic yet futuristic sounds.
All in all, though 23THSR struggles to maintain novelty throughout its runtime, it still proves to be an impressive creative display of Roberts’ talents and transcends many of the limitations of traditional dance recording through its innovative use of visual effects.
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
Juan P. Voorduin is a screenwriter and film editor who recently graduated from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, with a BFA in Film and Television Production. He is passionate about all forms of storytelling and is driven by his love for film, television, and comic books.
Recent Comments