Rating: Summary: A fine visual companion to "The Red Shoes" album. Review: Kate Bush's music is often described as ethereal; her voice has been labeled "otherworldly". It is no surprise that this film, directed by Kate herself, leaves one with feelings of exultation as well as wonder. The story, comprised of songs from "The Red Shoes" album, reels along confidently enough, centering on a pair of cursed shoes. Costar Miranda Richardson is delightful to watch, and Ms. Bush is as beautifully radiant as ever. However, novice filmmaker Kate is notably guilty of "director-intrusion". Many scenes seem to be taken directly from a "Beginner's Guide to Nifty Special Visual Effects" manual, and the results distract the viewer. Expectations of Kate Bush's work are high due to her past accomplishments and the nearly endless amount of time she devotes to polishing her projects. For example, the music in this video is outstanding; it is perhaps the most accessible collection of her recordings, and the striking melodies and complex vocal and instrumental arrangements presented here seem effortless and off the cuff - yet the release of "The Red Shoes" (mercifully) ended a four-year wait for fans wanting new Kate Bush music. Perhaps dubbing "The Line, the Cross & the Curve" as a film is a bit pretentious. After all, it is only 43 minutes long, and contains a minimum of dialogue. Much more satisfaction can be had by considering this to be an extended music video...an arena that finds Kate further crafting her truly bewitching songs with obvious affection and pride.
Rating: Summary: The Talent, The Beauty & The Voice Review: Kate has proven what she can do with the visual medium in this David Lynch does a music video, idea. This is a spellbinding, mesmerizing, enchanting piece of work here. Kate has always astounded due to her intelligent lyrics and wonderful voice that puts these teen sensations to shame, but here, where she laces her songs together into a fascinating storyline about an evil pair of dancing red shoes, you find yourself admiring and respecting her dance and visual techniques. Miranda Richardson is wonderful as the bitchy dancer and the dreamlike effects are wonderful to behold. Kate has acheived what no other director could do for her music... she gives it life and wings.
Rating: Summary: A really cool take on a classic story. Review: This is a fantastic video. The performences and music are superb. It is a wonderful modern-day fairy tale.
Rating: Summary: Yawn. Wake me up when it's over Review: You remember Kate Bush? She was the stunning 19 year old who made a hit debut single 'Wuthering Heights' and then never really lived up to the promise. Now she makes a new album about every seven years (maybe) and fills in the time by pretending to be a film director. This is a pretty awful piece of work which has one or two hummable (but forgettable) tunes and not much else. Kate's slightly loopy fans (see the postings below for examples) will think that this promo video masquerading as a movie is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that doesn't say much. Curiosity value only.
Rating: Summary: Yawn. Wake me up when it's over Review: You remember Kate Bush? She was the stunning 19 year old who made a hit debut single 'Wuthering Heights' and then never really lived up to the promise. Now she makes a new album about every seven years (maybe) and fills in the time by pretending to be a film director. This is a pretty awful piece of work which has one or two hummable (but forgettable) tunes and not much else. Kate's slightly loopy fans (see the postings below for examples) will think that this promo video masquerading as a movie is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that doesn't say much. Curiosity value only.
Rating: Summary: One for the fans Review: You've heard the album - now watch the movie. No it's not the awful "Spiceworld" movie but Kate Bush's one and only venture into the realms of film directing - and a very short film at that.We're not too sure why Kate decided on this departure - perhaps to keep starved fans happy given her sporadic musical output. Nevertheless, it is the music which livens proceedings in this otherwise derivative (some would say pretentious but I wouldn't dare) film. From the pop beat of "Rubberband Girl" to the lovely spare ballad "Moments of Pleasure" we are treated to that wonderful voice with all the action - Kate inherits a pair of red shoes from the wicked Miranda Richardson and can't stop dancing - merely a backdrop to her. That said, the scene for the title track is a highlight, with Ms Richardson looking decidedly evil (check out those eyebrows! ) trapping our gullible Kate into taking the red shoes and then disappearing to the other side of the mirror. Fans of Kate will lap this up of course but what we really want to see is a new album from this most unique musician.
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