‘John Cranko’: A Celebrated LGBTQ Ballet Choreographer's Story Comes to Life

Film Festival Highlight: "John Cranko"

The Palm Springs Film Festival recently featured a remarkable German-language film by Joachim A. Lang entitled "John Cranko." This captivating film portrays the life of John Cranko, a renowned LGBTQ ballet choreographer whose journey is both inspiring and tumultuous.

Arrival in Stuttgart

Born in South Africa, John Cranko, played by Sam Riley, arrives in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1960. This pivotal move comes after a scandalous departure from Sadler's Wells Ballet in London. Cranko had been embroiled in controversy due to his prosecution for a homosexual act in public, an event that abruptly ended his tenure there. Seeking a fresh start, Cranko finds a welcoming environment in Stuttgart, where his unique lifestyle is embraced.

Rising to Prominence

In Stuttgart, Cranko quickly ascends to the position of ballet director. His artistic brilliance captivates audiences and he becomes a beloved figure. Committed to both his art and social life, Cranko refers to the ballet company affectionately as "his children." Despite personal setbacks and struggles with depression and alcohol, he remains a passionate and innovative force in the ballet world.

Joachim A. Lang's Perspective

Capturing the essence of Cranko on screen was a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for director Joachim A. Lang. Cranko's complex personality, marked by both passion and volatility, made him an enigmatic figure to portray. Lang engaged in "intensive conversations" with Cranko's close companions and friends to create an authentic narrative.

Lang consulted with notable figures such as Marcia Haydee, Birgit Keil, Jürgen Rose, Vladimir Klos, Reid Anderson, and Dieter Gräfe. These individuals shared invaluable insights into Cranko's life and work, particularly poignant given Cranko's untimely death at 45, en route from a performance in New York.

For Lang, "John Cranko" is more than a biographical film; it is a tribute to the art of ballet itself. His goal was to capture the "soul of dance," portraying universal human themes of love, life, and mortality through Cranko's story.

Sam Riley's Transformation

Sam Riley delivers a masterful performance as John Cranko, delving into the choreographer’s search for love and recognition. Known for his roles in "Control," "Rebecca," and "Maleficent," Riley brings depth and nuance to the character. Lang commends Riley's portrayal, noting how Cranko's companions felt as if "John is back."

Riley immersed himself in archival footage, observing Cranko's work and performances to internalize his mannerisms and artistry. Describing ballet as a "universal thing," Riley hopes the film reaches audiences beyond Germany. Initially unfamiliar with ballet, Riley found inspiration in the dedication of young dancers, witnessing their passion and commitment firsthand.

His experience on set transformed his perception of ballet, revealing its beauty and the dedication of those who practice it. Riley's portrayal is a testament to the power of art to move and inspire, just as Cranko did in his lifetime.

The film "John Cranko" is a celebration of an extraordinary life and a tribute to the enduring power of dance. It invites viewers to explore the profound impact of Cranko's legacy, both in the realm of ballet and beyond.

Tags: LGBTQ, Ballet, Film, Biography, Arts