The film rendition of the famous live performance of Cirque du Soleil promises to be just as mesmerizing on screen as it is in person. According to the official summary, "Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away" will feature "artistic and acrobatic performances from some of the most elaborate Cirque du Soleil productions," and will be directed by Andrew Adamson, whose résumé includes the "Shrek" and "Narnia" films. Master of visually stunning moviemaking James Cameron will lend his expertise in the 3-D landscape by acting as the film's executive producer. But those expecting a screen full of Na'vi from Cameron's "Avatar" might be disappointed, despite the extravagant makeup and costumes of the performers.
Images
The release of this high-tech production may provoke groans from theater and movie fans. But the film is perhaps one of the rare occurrences where three on-screen dimensions might really enhance the movie-going experience. Unlike viewing Disney's recent, unfortunate re-release of "The Lion King," watching acrobats leap in 3D might be a reasonable alternative to the real thing.
"Worlds Away" has far more going for it than just its three-dimensional aesthetic. Cirque du Soleil is perhaps one of the most ubiquitous performance brands in the entire world -— with over 20 different shows across the globe, it's a name almost everyone recognizes. So if millions of people have seen and presumably enjoyed it, why the need for a movie?
Some would say it's simply another ploy for Hollywood to squeeze as much money as possible from a franchise. Others think the exposure to theater is a good thing. Even with the hated extra charge 3-D glasses add, movies are still far cheaper than the steep cost of a live performance.
Though without the expensive prices, most live entertainment, be it theater, circus or music, would have died out long ago. Today's society is too focused on notions of convenience and mass-production for live entertainment to be anything more than a novelty. Although some theater advocates would beg to differ, it's impossible to ignore the perpetually shrinking niche of live performances in the landscape of modern entertainment.
This truth sounds depressing, but the silver lining is not too difficult to find. Much like a Broadway show, a Cirque du Soleil performance is a rare treat saved for special occasions and gifts. It's not an everyday event, so a movie portraying this famous circus act might inspire people to shell out the higher price tag required to see an actual performance. A similar phenomenon has occurred with "Glee," as when a song is covered on the show, sales of the original inevitably surge upward, though Cirque du Soleil carries a bit more artistic weight.
Being cautiously optimistic about the movie is understandable, but the project does warrant excitement. Cirque du Soleil is one of the few remaining beacons of true theatricality, thanks to its ability to transport its audience to an otherworldly place without musical numbers or big-name stars. There is no real harm in helping that light shine a little brighter by finding a larger audience.
