Obsessed with Light

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Obsessed with Light

2024

1h 29m

Documentary

Biography

History

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6 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

OBSESSED WITH LIGHT pulls back the curtain on Loïe Fuller (1862-1928), a wildly original performer who pioneered modern dance though combining fabric and movement to develop a completely new kind of spectacle. Creating a dialogue between the past and the present, filmmakers Sabine Krayenbuhle and Zeva Oelbaum delve into the astonishing influence Fuller's work has had on contemporary culture including artists like Taylor Swift, Bill T. Jones, Shakira, William Kentridge, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others. "A rich tapestry of discoveries by a passionately devoted mover and transformer of light and shape," (Eye On Dance) OBSESSED WITH LIGHT is a close study of a woman who became famous on her own terms -- unapologetic about her body type, open about her sexuality, and protective of her signature, often mimicked, style.

Manuel Betancourt

Variety

01/13/2025

Like a dutiful student who’s done his homework, the documentary is intent on showing its audience just how much research on Fuller was done. The breadth of archival imagery is outstanding if at times quite overwhelming.

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Alissa Wilkinson

New York Times

12/10/2024

With someone as fascinating as Fuller, a more lyrical approach might draw all the pieces together more fruitfully. Still, I liked “Obsessed With Light” for that older footage.

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Eileen G'Sell

Hyperallergic

01/23/2025

Directors Sabine Krayenbühl and Zeva Oelbaum provide less an in-depth biography of the trailblazer’s life than a roving chronicle of her impact on the last 100-plus years of creative culture.

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Dan Bayer

Next Best Picture

12/06/2024

5/10

While “Obsessed with Light” serves as a beautiful ode to the serpentine dance and the times that birthed it, the film ultimately pales in the light of Fuller’s genius.

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Louis Roberts

Loud and Clear Reviews

12/02/2024

3/5

As is often the case with films like this, it is both baffling that it took this long to tell Fuller’s story and comforting that finally great women pioneers like her are getting the attention they deserve.

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Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

11/26/2024

A captivating, well-edited and illuminating albeit often hagiographic documentary biopic on Loïe Fuller. The breathtaking footage of Fuller dancing ultimately speaks louder than words.

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Deborah F

12/08/2024

Terrifically well done & interesting linkage between then & now.

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Cynthia

12/08/2024

Beautiful film and an important woman mostly forgotten or ignored in the zeitgeist of history - Yet Loie Fuller's name and considerable talents reverberate to many extraordinary artists even 100 years after her death... I loved it!

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Karla A

12/08/2024

A wonderful depiction of how Loie Fullers creativity influenced many artists over the years. She was a true innovator,especially for the time she was alive.

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Elizabeth

12/07/2024

Beautiful, thought-provoking, unique

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Barbara

12/07/2024

A beautiful movie. History, dance, creativity. Lovely.

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Sabine Krayenbühl

Director

Zeva Oelbaum

Director

Cherry Jones

Self

Erin Anderson

Self

Claire Dodin

Self

Loie Fuller

Self

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Synopsis

OBSESSED WITH LIGHT pulls back the curtain on Loïe Fuller (1862-1928), a wildly original performer who pioneered modern dance though combining fabric and movement to develop a completely new kind of spectacle. Creating a dialogue between the past and the present, filmmakers Sabine Krayenbuhle and Zeva Oelbaum delve into the astonishing influence Fuller's work has had on contemporary culture including artists like Taylor Swift, Bill T. Jones, Shakira, William Kentridge, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others. "A rich tapestry of discoveries by a passionately devoted mover and transformer of light and shape," (Eye On Dance) OBSESSED WITH LIGHT is a close study of a woman who became famous on her own terms -- unapologetic about her body type, open about her sexuality, and protective of her signature, often mimicked, style.

Director: Sabine Krayenbühl, Zeva Oelbaum
Producer: Zeva Oelbaum, Sabine Krayenbühl
Distributor: Film Movement
Production Co: Between the Rivers Productions
Genre: Documentary, Biography, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 6, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 7, 2025
Runtime: 1h 29m

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