Tango Lesson (1997)

Sally Potter's self-reflective film stars Potter (an actress and the director of Orlando), more or less as herself, learning to tango from master dancer Pablo Veron and considering making a film called The Tango Lesson. The film that we happen to be watching, however, is concerned largely with the delicious conflict between the politics of tango--the need for one partner, typically the woman, to yield to the other--and the expectations of the filmmaker to do things on her own terms. Can Potter simultaneously surrender and control for the duration of this circular project? The question is made more complicated by Veron's desire to be in one of Potter's films--in other words, to follow her lead. Potter may not be Veron's equal on the dance floor, but that isn't the point of this interesting movie and its provocative, internal debate. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

For Tangueros

Tango Lesson
Is only for tangueros - it illustrates a one woman obsession
with the dance. Hence it's quite limited and you must
be very interested in Tango/Milonga to get anything from it. May 25, 2008

The Tango Lesson: She's Dancing With Herself

Sally Potter snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in "The Tango Lesson". I had high hopes thanks to "Orlando". The film began well and sank under its own weight very quickly, that not even the genius of Pablo Veron could rescue.

Dance movies are not for those looking for a strong plot. Nor are musicals. More joy would have gone a long way here. Instead there is a nagging low-grade fever of sourness.

There are bald references to the Nicholas Brothers, and Fred and Ginger, but these are different days. And if you are going to swipe from either of them, as she did, then go for broke and burn down the house with it.

The camera is unflinching, and Potter looks gaunt and weary throughout the black and white proceedings. Of course this fits into the bi-continental story line.

In the end, if you can project your notions on the film, study Veron, and let Sally go forth, you'll be OK. Otherwise I'd consider this a disappointment, but not the incompetent debacle of "Tango Assassination". November 16, 2007

"How did you choose the tango? I didn't. The tango chose me."

"The Tango Lesson" is a unique and beautiful movie made by the director/ writer Sally Potter about a director/writer named Sally Potter who is fascinated by the art of Tango, meets a young dancer Pablo Verón (played by a dancer named Pablo Verón), and dances with him - and as everything Sally (well both of them) does, her dancing is graceful, elegant, delicate yet masterful, subtle, and passionate - just as the movie itself is. I don't care if it is the "Blatant narcissism", "Self-Indulgence or "Self Importance" - they don't make the movie for me any worse and I am fascinated by Sally Potter, the strong, talented, and independent woman.

"The Tango Lesson" examines the mysterious connection between two people, their interest to each other, even if they were not meant to be together. At one point, Sally tells Pablo, "It doesn't suit me to follow. It suits me to lead, and you can't deal with that." The film is also about sensual passion of Tango where every dance is a fight between the partners over the control and victory and both victory and defeat are a celebration.

January 4, 2007

REAL FILM MAKING

This is not a movie. You don't watch x amounts of minutes and get up and go home (or leave the room). This is a film. This will leave the the room with you. This will stay with you and haunt you. It will get under your skin and it will become a part of you. This is what makes a film as opposed to dribble entertainment. Brilliance needs not a large budget. Perhaps lesser films need lots of it to fill the nonsense. Sally Potter's writing and directing is brilliant. Pable Veron is superb. All of the actors are real. Tango to make you fall in love, music to fill your soul. if you are prepared to take real film making serious, watch. For mindless entertainment the other selections are beyound counting. November 16, 2006

Save your Money!!!

If you're one of those who likes to see 'artsy' films for the sake of conversation, by all means check this oddball out. If, however, you want to watch a movie to be entertained or to appreciate Tango, be advised: This movie absolutely sucked. Potter was uninspiring and passionless, her love interest was self-centered and whiny, and what was up with the legless midget shooting horrific looking models in the color shots??? In a word, the whole thing was terrible. Even the Tango wasn't very good in this one (primarily as it was usually Potter dancing, and she obviously needs some more practice!)...the one redeeming factor was the music, which was outstanding. Particularly moving was Yo-Yo Ma's Libertango. Do yourself a favor...buy the CD, skip the movie. April 23, 2006

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