I
went to see “Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks” mainly to see Gena
Rowlands and not expecting much of a movie. I figured it would be a
second rate situation comedy with plenty of old people jokes and as it
started it was just that. Rowlands, at 85, still has that luminous look
she had 50 years ago, easily passing for 68, and delivers a first rate
performance. Her co-star, 40 year old Cheyenne Jackson, proves he is
more than just eye candy and the stereotype gay man as he appears in his
role as a dance instructor.

You know from the animosity and
wisecracks shared between the two stars as the film starts that there
will be a happy ending but somewhere along the way something strange
happens as they become real people and problems such as being old and
alone or gay and living a lie are talked about. Yes most are one liners
to get laughs but both actors bring the underlining hurt they are
feeling to the forefront and tears flow.

Aside from the leads
most of the supporting company are either wasted such as Rita
Moreno--how do you have a movie about dancing and not have her
dance?--or Jacki Weaver as a course cougar want to be with roaming
hands. Julian Sands, as the dance studio owner, seems to be in the wrong
movie. The only ones who come through unscathed are Kathleen Perkins as
the dance studio’s receptionist and Simon Miller as Moreno’s son.

“Six
Dance Lessons In Six Weeks” was originally a two character play and
except for Rowlands and Jackson the rest of the cast seem to be added
just to open the play. The two stars not only hold the film together
but--and I might regret saying this--make the movie A MUST SEE! I’ll
sort of hedge that by saying Gena Rowlands is a film treasure and those
who admire her, as I do, will love seeing her back on the screen and
those who aren’t familiar with her are in for a treat.

Sadly the
film is not being pushed by the independent company that financed it nor
is it playing in many theatres. The Gateway Theatre has it only booked
for a week so in spite of my firm belief that a movie should be seen on a
theatre screen-- and in this case the sunset which is a major part of
the film’s ending should be seen that way--all I can suggest is be sure
to get it on DVD or, like me, look forward to when it is shown on cable
or network TV.

What a delightful surprise on a March afternoon.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUzx-tP7MKs