Sumptuous

A visually rich production, with Russell’s slightly surrealist style lending itself well to the equally unreal world of movie stars, then and now.

A very strong cast, with Nuryev, surprisingly perfect in the role. I've not seen him in any other acting role, and he brought the larger-than-life, melodramatic character of Valentino marvellously to life.

It seems a quirk of Russell to use retired ballet stars as actors, as with Christopher Gable. I suppose it fits with his highly visual and surreal treatment.

A great film, a real anti-dote to Hollywood, even with the beginnings of Hollywood as the subject matter.