William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet
William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet
A Special Entertainment Film
William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet is a documentary about legendary choreographer Margo Sappington’s quest to create a ballet set to the music of William Shatner’s critically acclaimed album Has Been (produced and co-written with Ben Folds).
Although the film shows the finished ballet, called Common People, in its entirety, half of the film focuses on Shatner himself speaking candidly about his artistic endeavors and life choices. The film also features interviews with Ben Folds, Henry Rollins, Margo Sappington, and members of the Milwaukee Ballet.
In a recent interview Shatner spoke about the unique experience he’s had working on the film, “It was an odd idea when I was approached by Milwaukee to make the ballet, and then it seemed to me a good idea to record it on film … and lo and behold, there was this oddity that I titled Gonzo Ballet. And I’m out there pushing it on the film circuit, which I’ve never done before. It’s all a curious experience.”
The World Premiere was mentioned in The New York Times and took place at the 40th Anniversary of the Nashville International Film Festival. The sold-out show received a standing ovation and extremely positive reviews from local and national media, as well as winning the 2009 NaFF President’s Impact Award. Special Entertainment and production partner Big Screen Entertainment Group were on the red carpet for the premiere, along with Shatner, his wife Elizabeth, Ben Folds, and Sheryl Crow.
William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet recently screened at the Marbella International Film Festival in Spain, where it won the Best Documentary award.
The film has also screened at the Rhode Island Film Festival, the Edmonton International Film Festival, DocFest Stratford, the Milwaukee Film Festival, the Delray Beach Film Festival, the Wild Rivers Film Festival, and the San Diego Film Festival.
William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet was made by Special Entertainment and Big Screen Entertainment Group in association with Shatner’s Melis Productions, and is currently in negotiations for a television and DVD release.
Melis Productions Presents
with Big Screen Entertainment Group
A Special Entertainment Film
Executive Produced by William Shatner
Directed by Pat Buckley & Kevin Lane
Co-Directed by Bobby Ciraldo & Andrew Swant
Music by Ben Folds
Ballet Concept and Choreography by
Margo Sappington
Co-Executive Produced by
Kimberley Kates
Scott Woolley
Produced by
Patrick Buckley
Kevin Layne
Michael Manasseri
David Zappone
Co-Produced by
Christopher T. Carley
Cinematography by
Mark Escribano
Edited by
Ray Chi
Media Mentions
“A surprisingly revealing documentary that suggests the full depths of Shatner’s self-awareness and — no kidding — artistic aspirations.”
“When the lights went up, there were cheers. Shatner comes across as a true original.”
- — Mark Rabinowitz, indieWIRE
“The best part is Shatner himself, who reveals a heartfelt soul. It feels like this is the genuine man behind the myth.”
- — Brent Rolen, Nashville Scene
“An unexpectedly poignant film.”
- — Seth Combs, San Diego City Beat
“Exhilarating … Unexpected lyrics coupled with lively dancing makes William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet a joy.”
- — Michael Janusonis, The Providence Journal
“One of the biggest events at the festival was easily the world premiere of William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet. It shows a side to William Shatner that most of us have never seen before.”
- — Stephen Lackey, Mania
“Despite the jaunty nature of the title, William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet is a profoundly bittersweet work.”
- — Richard Ouzounian, The Toronto Star
“Surprisingly engaging … Refreshingly thoughtful and candid.”
- — Jim Ridley, Nashville Scene
“Deep emotional territory, but there was no shortage of comical moments.”
- — Paul Cluff, The Beacon Herald
“Meet William Shatner, sans the iconic mask, in this fascinating documentary … scenes of dancing are melded with those of the actor openly discussing his artistic frustrations and the making of a record that’s full of surprise and candor.”
- — Netflix
“The Shatner-Folds-Sappington trio received two thumbs up from fest-goers and Shatner fans alike.”
- — Valerie Middleton, San Diego News Network
“A lot of fun.”
- — Tom Strini, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“It’s intimate, it’s genuine, and it gives us one thing we weren’t really expecting from a washed-up former Captain Kirk: Inspiration.”
- — Christy Frink, Nashvillest
“Perhaps the strangest (and maybe even the most fun) documentary at the festival.”
- — Allen Amundsen, Times-Standard
“William Shatner followed his intuition and boldly went where he had never gone before.”
- — Jeff Heuchert, Stratford Gazette
“Every dance number they do … shows the heart and soul of the dancer thrown into every move, every lift, and every turn. I recommend that everyone who appreciates creativity in all mediums see this movie.”
- — Alicia Glass, San Diego Film Festival Review
“Gonzo Ballet manages to express feelings of sincerity and creativity.”
- — Heidi Hoffman, The Tennessean
“After decades as a camp figure, Shatner has really pulled off an impressive comeback late in life, earning a new respect for his acting and his music.”
- — Greg Stacy, Monsters & Rockets