[.ca] Balcony (ISBN 6305942978)

Only Worth It If You're Into Genet:
Producing Genet, whether for the stage or screen, is an arduous task. His elaborate characters, costumes, and scenes are enough to give any director more than a few bleeding ulcers. This film, however, effectively captures the spirit of "The Balcony." Not overly so, but enough to make for an enjoyable evening on a frigid winter night. Marked by capable acting and an unforgettable ending, "The Balcony" is worth the $18 price tag.

Falling off the balcony:
The Balcony is a brilliant play emulating similar satirical methods of the better known "Crucible." The Balcony is at times sexy, witty, violent, gauche, and shocking. The movie does not succeed in relating the power of the tale. Nonetheless, Jean Genet's superb screenplay is not completely lost on the mature viewer. Younger or less analytical viewers may have problems with the nuances of the play, yet the advantage of the movie is the ease with which it can be watched again for further comprehension. Overall, while the movie is certainly good, it does not do the play nor playwright justice.

A Great Piece of Theatre-TV:
This is an arty-entertainment film. If you like NIGHT OF THE HUNTER, THE WICKER MAN, POWELL & PRESSBURGER FILMS, DENNIS POTTER TV, THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES ON TV -- and anything else that is different with an arty dramatic drive, you'll love this unique piece. Probably the closest that the USA has come to getting a European piece of theatre right. I'm not into arty rubbish, but into entertainment. If you have nothing against a made for TV theatre piece that is very poetic, and at times surrealistic, then give this a try. It was shown on European TV several years ago, and I found it wonderful, and have longed for its release. The best performance I have seen from Peter Falk, and Leonard Nimoy was very virile and un-Vulkan. The women in the brothel are also INCREDIBLY sexy !!!!!