We’ve been excited to watch Jonathan Glazer’s new short film “Strasbourg 1518” since we learned of its existence just recently. Filmed during the lockdown, this new short utilizes dance as a way to talk about the current pandemic, while also offering a small history lesson.
Thankfully, since the short premiered recently on UK TV, A24, Academy Films, and BBC have made the film available to view by folks in the US that don’t have access to the network. And the short is definitely worth it. Propelled by the incredible dancers featured in the short, Glazer’s film shows a variety of performers working in isolation, dancing through exhaustion, repeating the same moves over and over. The parallels to our current situation during the COVID-19 pandemic are clear. Except, the title doesn’t reference coronavirus. Instead, the film’s namesake comes from the dancing plague that affected folks in Strasbourg in 1518, where people just uncontrollably danced to the point of complete exhaustion.
While the dance seen in the film is incredible, the short really is propelled by the pulse-pounding beats created by composer Mica Levi, who has previously worked with Glazer on the acclaimed sci-fi thriller, “Under the Skin.” In this new short, her music is not only memorable, but it also echoes the repetition seen in the dance moves, adding to the desired effect of the film.
If you’re lucky enough to have access to BBC networks, you’re probably well aware that “Strasbourg 1518” is available now. However, if you’re in the US, you can view the short on the official website.
Here’s the synopsis:
Inspired by a powerful involuntary mania which took hold of citizens in the city of Strasbourg just over 500 years ago, STRASBOURG 1518 features some of the greatest dancers working today. Featuring new music by Mica Levi. STRASBOURG 1518 was co-commissioned by Artangel and Sadler’s Wells and produced by Academy Films for BBC Films and BBC Arts.
