Ballet 422 (2015) - Jody Lee Lipes

Jody Lee Lipes' Ballet 422 provides an intricate look backstage at the New York City Ballet.  Focusing around up-and-coming 25 year-old choreographer Justin Peck, Ballet 422 provides an in depth look at the creative process of Justin's new ballet.  Ballet 422 is an observational, fly-on-the-wall style documentary that captures the importance of collaboration in crafting such an intricate piece of art.  Whether it be lighting, costumes, or choreography, Ballet 422 displays how collaboration only fuels one's own inner creativity, as Justin and his collaborators experience breakthroughs as they discuss and bounce ideas off one and other.  Being someone who knew very little about the artform of Ballet going in, Jody Lee Lipes' Ballet 422 provides meticulous detail on the process, being an accessible film about Ballet.  The cinematography of the film is a main reason why Ballett 422 is so engaging, with great use of space, framing, and composition that showcase both the grand nature of Ballet and the small, very important details.  Running only 80 minutes, Jody Lee Lipes' Ballet 422 is a well-paced documentary that gives the viewer a sense of accomplishment by the end, offering just a glimpse of the power and accomplishment creating something can have on oneself.

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