Considered one of the greatest and most beautiful films ever made, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s, The Red Shoes (1948) has inspired and continues to inspire filmmakers of various generations. From its visually lush and breathtaking cinematography by frequent Powell and Pressburger collaborator Jack Cardiff, its elegantly composed music, wonderous ballet sequence, and phenomenal performances by Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook, and Marius Goring, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences with its dreamy imagery and technical craftsmanship. Filmmaking at its finest, The Red Shoes has resonated and has endeared audiences for so long, not only because of its technical brilliance but also because of its tale of passion for the arts (particularly ballet), dedication, perseverance, and staying true to one’s principles and beliefs. While The Red Shoes focuses on Victoria Page (played by Moira Shearer) and her quest of perfecting the art of ballet under the stern guidance of Boris Lermontov (played by Anton Walbrook), Steve Exeter’s 2022 short film, Òran na h-Eala, takes us into the mind of Moira Shearer as she contemplates whether or not to participate in the Powell and Pressburger film. Inspired by The Red Shoes and that pivotal moment in Shearer’s life, Òran na h-Eala is an exquisitely crafted film that is as visually lush and astounding as the film it pays tribute to. Featuring visual homages to The Red Shoes that would make Powell, Pressburger, and Cardiff proud, Exeter and his crew, as well as Shannon Davidson playing Moira Shearer, have crafted a marvelously impeccable film that is a feast for the eyes and an absolute gem. More films like Òran na h-Eala is what cinema needs today!
As the film begins, it is clear that Òran na h-Eala will be a visually poetic delight. The film commences the same way as The Red Shoes by mimicking the film’s opening credits. Seeing the attention to detail in recreating the paintings and illustrations and the archery board lets us know that the level of dedication and artistry that will be present throughout the film is handled with precision and meticulousness. Dedication, artistry, and precision also serve as the basis of the themes presented in Òran na h-Eala, as Moira Shearer (played by Shannon Davidson) graces the screen and speaks to us about her internal struggle of whether or not she should act in Powell and Pressburger’s “silly little film.” Shearer, a ballerina extraordinaire, is insulted at being asked by Powell and Pressburger to be in their film as she feels that ballet is a far more superior craft. Shearer considers herself a ballerina who performs for the sake of ballet and not for film. She refuses to acknowledge herself as an actress. The internal struggle continues throughout the film as Shearer practices ballet and during a meeting with Powell and Pressburger. As we know, Shearer ultimately decides to act in The Red Shoes, and as Shearer makes it clear, her performance in The Red Shoes is what she is now known for. There is a moment in Òran na h-Eala that is perhaps the film’s finest moment when Shearer performs the famous ballet sequence in The Red Shoes. As she spins during her performance, she sees Powell and Pressburger watching her every more, just as Victoria Page sees Lermontov watching her. It is a brilliant moment that not only beautifully recreates the sequence from The Red Shoes; but is marvelous in its own right. While there is a certain sense of melancholia in the film, especially with Shearer’s disdain for her legacy being her role in The Red Shoes, Òran na h-Eala is a celebration and tribute not only to The Red Shoes but to Moira Shearer. Had it not been for The Red Shoes, perhaps Shearer would not be as remembered as she is now. Òran na h-Eala elucidates that art imitates life, and life imitates art!
Òran na h-Eala is an impeccably well-crafted film and a technical achievement. From the intricately detailed set and costume designs, lavish cinematography, splendid music, and a dazzling performance by Shannon Davidson as Moira Shearer, Òran na h-Eala is a grand cinematic treat that should be viewed by not only those that love The Red Shoes but also those that love and appreciate pure filmmaking! From the first frame, you can tell that a lot of heart, soul, and passion went into crafting Òran na h-Eala, and those qualities carry throughout the entire film. Every image, sound, and second of the film captures the magic of cinema. If you have the opportunity to see Òran na h-Eala, certainly do! It is perhaps one of the best, if not the best, short films of 2022. Steve Exeter, his crew, and Shannon Davidson have crafted an exceptional film!
Reel/Musings 