Cirque du Soleil - Quidam
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Movie Reviews of Cirque du Soleil - Quidam
Movie Review: Quidam is Cirque perfection
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished viewing "La Nouba" and I have to say that it displaces "O" as my second favorite Cirque du Soleil show. "Quidam" remains my favorite and the gold standard against which all other shows must be measured. In addition to these three, I've seen "Mystere", "Zumanity", "KA", "Varekai", "Alegria", "Saltimbanco", and "Dralion". It's no coincidence that my top three picks are all creations of Franco Dragone, who unfortunately, has left the company. All three also feature the music of Benoit Jutras. The artistry, surrealism, visual imagery, and music are all earmarks of a Dragone/Jutras show. There are some similarities between Quidam and La Nouba which might be the reason they are my favorites. They share some of the same acts such as the "German Wheel" and "Diabolos". The German Wheel acts are a bit different because in Quidam, there is only one wheel whereas in La Nouba, there are two. The result is that the single performer in Quidam maintains a faster, more acrobatic, pace where the duo in La Nouba act in sync. The Diabolos acts are virtually identical in both shows, except that Quidam's version has a spectacular ending that is lacking in La Nouba's. In both shows, the finale is the main event of the show - "Banquine" in Quidam and "Power Track (PT)/Trampoline" in La Nouba. Although "PT/Trampoline" is absolutely superb, "Banquine" remains my favorite of any act in any Cirque show. The combination of artistry, music, costumes, and unbelievable acrobatic ability in Banquine is sheer perfection. The weakest acts are the "Cloud Swing" in Quidam and "Cycles" in La Nouba. I've never really liked the clown acts in any of the Cirque shows and these two are no exception. Most Cirque shows have one or possibly two acts that are good enough to be the main event. La Nouba has two - "PT/Trampoline" and "Flying Trapeze". Quidam has three - "Banquine", "Skipping Ropes", and "Statue". Most main event acts feature large casts of at least 8-10 people and usually more. "Statue" is perhaps the only main event-quality act that has only two people. The one other advantage that Quidam has over La Nouba, at least on DVD, is the singing voice of Audrey Brisson-Jutras who is the daughter of musical composer Jutras. The lead vocalist in La Nouba is amazing, but there is something magical and haunting about Audrey's voice that sends chills up my spine every time I view Quidam. The reason that "O" drops to third place is that, as wonderful a show as it is artistically, the acrobatics are weak compared to most other shows. "O" does not contain a main event-quality acrobatic act. One other difference between Quidam and La Nouba is that La Nouba, with acts such as "High Wire", "Balancing on Chairs", and "Flying Trapeze" more closely resembles a traditional circus than Quidam. Both Quidam and La Nouba are "must have" DVDs for anyone who enjoys the Cirque du Soleil.Movie Review: Quidam, my favorite Cirque show
Summary: 5 Stars
Quidam was my very first introduction to Cirque du Soleil. I saw it before the company became the entertainment giant it is today and was relatively unknown in the states (and considerably less expensive). For that, Quidam will always have a special place in my heart as the show that began my love for the Canadian circus. That said, I already have a pre-disposition to love this DVD, but even friends whom I have shown it to agree: it's an amazingly unique and provocative piece of theater and circus that makes viewers think.
"Quidam" is a Latin word for anoynmous, for an unnamed person rushing by on the street -that's what this show is about. There's constant imagery of masked figures lurking around in the background amid cold, steely lighting, emotionless characters and breathtaking acrobatics.
Quidam focuses on the journey of a young girl named Zoe (played by Audrey Brisson-Jutras in the DVD). Zoe lives in a detached world, isolated from those around her and bored with life. After meeting a mysterious, headless figure with a hat, she dons the hat and is transported to another world. In this world, Zoe encounters the mysterious, dark and sometimes comical creatures of Quidam and embarks into a dark journey through a strange land where she learns to connect. The theme of Quidam is all about transitions between locations and the people you pass on the street. One of the unique features of the show is the track-like mechanism onstage that smoothly moves equipment on and off, giving the sense of movement and, as shown in one scene, a train station.
This show also has my favorite Cirque du Soleil act ever: Aerial Contortion in Silk. The act is a mix between contortion and aerial silks, with vibrant, red silks filled and a performer in a flesh-colored leotard who explores an amazing story and array of human emotions. Truly, a compelling and inspiring depiction of the human spirit.
Other great acts in Quidam are the opener German Wheel, the show-stopping Banquine, the Aerial Hoops, dramatic Handbalancing and, of course, the signature clown act where the character juggles a coat rack. Though at times a little dark for children, Quidam has a wonderfully surreal feel to it that brings a gritty, raw edge to Cirque that's typically left out of other productions. The emotions seem more real and honest here, and that's one thing I've always loved about Quidam.
Perhaps not the best Cirque show to start with, Quidam is a gorgeous piece of provocative theater and circus that stands as one of the most unique and inspiring Cirque creations out there.
Movie Review: The best of what mankind has to offer!
Summary: 5 Stars
I think I now have every CdS DVD and have reviewed several of them, but not yet Quidam, as I have always found the words lacking for a proper review....and I still do(but will try it anyway)Let me first say that John Gilkey is brilliant as the emcee/clown. He is doing something for almost the entire show, and much of the time what he is doing is utterly amazing. One of my favorite Cirque segments is when John runs out screaming with a hula hoop. He then proceeds to do things with the hula hoop which I cannot fathom even after watching the DVD many times over. Let's just say that I do not understand how anyone can possess such control, and furthermore do it every night! John's juggling scene in which he dances and juggles with the hat rack also shows that the level of his dexterity is far beyond that of any other mortal man, as is his sense of artistry.
This show is darker than the other Cirque shows, with a grimace instead of a smile on many of the performers faces. Not that it matters; just an observation. As for the acts- again, they are some of the best of any Cirque show. My personal favorite is the Statue, a music-less act where a man and a woman contort themselves with each other in a most imaginative and athletic manner. It has to be seen to be believed.
The girls with the diabolos are charming. The acrobats who end the show are unbelievable, using only their arms to launch others high into the air and to catch each other. Again, this is where words fast become inadequate. I strongly recommend anyone who has read this far to purchase this DVD and see why, after 66 reviews, it still garners a 5-star review.
In an era when it is en vogue to be negative, this show is a reminder that anything is possible and to never stop dreaming....so pick up the next hat of the headless wanderer you encounter:-)
I must end this review by repeating what another reviewer has already said: "Towards the end of this video I was struck with the thought "if ever the human race were put on trial by extraterrestrials for their atrocities, this should be exhibit A in their defense."
What else can be said?
Movie Review: I am glad somehow my dream still exists
Summary: 5 Stars
I was sitting on the couch and watchingthe dvd. I never heard of cirque du soleil until then. After all Zoe started her journey and took us all with her into that fantasy with beauitul dreams and horendous nightmares. The acrobatic themes began with the German wheel followed by the diabolo. I have to admit that these two along with the hand balancing and banquine. I have seen lots of amazing diabolo performances when I was in Taiwan, but still found the whole sequence from those four girls astonishing. The German wheel is unbelievable, because it's just hard to imagine how can a human body can direct and redirect the movement of the wheel.......I may have to write a paper to discribe everything though. But I think the only act I like less is the Clowns, they were funny for a while, then they got a little annoying. John Gilkey is great great actor, he made me laugh with every act he put on.I think the best part of Quidam is it's music and theme. The theme, unlike any others cirque du soleil show I have seen, showed the vision of a girl's mind, not just a story from our view anymore. Zoe brought the audience into the fantsy, and led us through her experience of bore, amaze, terror..... I must also say that the it was so unique that Cirque du Soleil used a self-created language in every show. Quidam was no exception. Even some lyrics can never be understood, but the audience coud still feel it, the emotion and the power from the music, the story and all the act. I am getting tired of typing, so I won't write no more. One last thing I have to say is: get the dvd, even if you never like circus.
Movie Review: Cirque du Soleil's Best
Summary: 5 Stars
I was fortunate enough to see Quidam in its first American run, with the original performers and routines. I can say without hesitation that this DVD captures the beauty, and compelling aura, of the live performance - no easy feat. And in regards to the show itself, I feel strongly that it is the best Cirque du Soleil has ever offered.With a message of innocence rediscovered in a world of jaded ennui, this show opens the viewers' eyes to seeing life in a new light. Personally, I felt completely renewed after watching, and still feel the magic, thanks to the DVD. Each time I view it, I walk away renewed, and encouraged.
There is not a weak act in the bunch, and several are utterly astounding - the hand-balancing stands out for its technical strength, and the contortion in silk is hauntingly beautiful. Sadly, the easy flow of the German wheel is somewhat lost in the DVD - in live performance, it was one of the best acts in the show. The clowns are as appealingly bizarre as ever. However, the real credit must go to John Gilkey, whose gangly-graceful character captures the heart. He leads the entire show with ease, guiding the production from one act to another...and his solo performances are works of art. His contribution alone makes the DVD worth owning.
A last mention that makes the DVD worthwhile is that it includes music from the show that isn't included on the CD - why these pieces were left out I'll never understand.