"Ella"

13 March 2018

3 mins 32s

Body Talk

This intriguing short film from director Phoebe Arnstein examines body image in an unusual, intimate way. Rather than focus on socially-driven expectations around appearance or criticise the media for creating unrealistic depictions of the female form, this film looks inwards - turning the camera on one dancer and her relationship with her body.

It's a striking approach, made all the more compelling by keeping a tight focus on dancer Ella Robson and locking the imagery into her internal world. By examining the body as a working tool, the film avoids adopting the rallying cry of the 'body positive' crowd that everyone is beautiful - not because they aren't, but because beauty isn't what really matters.

Robson is a fascinating subject, open and candid as she discusses how she feels within her skin - both as a dancer and as a woman moving through life, ageing, and considering having children. Arnstein has a wonderfully delicate touch here, allowing Robson to shine through images of her body in unusual poses, subverting anything we might expect when we hear the phrase 'dance film'.

Portraying the body as an expression of a person's internal life - rather than something to be projected upon by the outside world - is remarkably subversive, as is the decision to avoid discussing the subject of 'beauty' altogether. Robson the athlete takes centre stage here, and she makes for hypnotic, thought-provoking viewing.

UK

Short Film