By: Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/14/24 – In a captivating fusion of surrealism, performance art, and horror, Brian Logvinsky’s directorial debut, “Catharsis,” promises to transport viewers into a mesmerizing realm. This 17-minute cinematic gem, set to premiere at the esteemed Tribeca Festival 2024, delves into the psyche of a dancer savant teetering on the brink of self-destruction. Drawing inspiration from Logvinsky’s own Soviet American heritage, the film blends diverse cultural influences, creating a truly unique and thought-provoking experience.
At the heart of “Catharsis” lies Alex, a gifted yet troubled dancer portrayed by Harrison Ball. Grappling with the profound grief of losing his mother, Alex finds solace in the art of movement. However, his descent into destructive behavior is fueled by a family curse, as believed by his superstitious aunt Anya, embodied by the legendary Deborah “Debbie” Harry of Blondie fame.
Anya’s unwavering belief in the curse leads her to seek unconventional means of healing for her nephew. She convinces Alex to visit the enigmatic Dr. Leechny, played by Marc Geller, and his assistants Chakra and Harmony, portrayed by Jemima Kirke. Employing hypnosis, this peculiar psychotherapist guides Alex on a journey into the depths of his subconscious, compelling him to confront his inner demons.
As the film reaches its climactic moment, Alex undergoes a profound transformation. Guided by a vision of his deceased mother, he embarks on a path of redemption, culminating in a cathartic release. With the break of dawn, Alex dances through the streets of New York City, symbolizing his newfound freedom and the shedding of his emotional burdens.
“Catharsis” boasts an extraordinary ensemble cast, including Sasha Pivovarova, Zumi Rosow, and a guest appearance by the renowned band Black Lips. The film’s production team is equally impressive, with executive producers Harrison Ball, Miranda Kahn, and renowned fashion designer Zac Posen, who also serves as the costume designer. Masterfully edited by Max Basch and featuring the stunning cinematography of Jo Jo Lam, “Catharsis” promises to be a visual feast.
For Logvinsky, “Catharsis” is a deeply personal exploration of his heritage and identity. “My debut short film ‘Catharsis’ is a post-Soviet fever dream, deeply personal and reflective of my heritage having grown up a confused child of immigrants with one foot in the American Dream and another foot in Motherland,” he shared with Variety. “It is also inspired by the performative power of dance and its ability to express catharsis.”
The film’s creative journey was marked by serendipitous encounters and collaborations. Logvinsky’s longtime friend, Harrison Jaffee, agreed to produce the film and connected him with Harrison Ball, who was leaving the New York City Ballet to pursue acting. Ball’s involvement became instrumental in shaping the project, bringing his dedication, creativity, and profound understanding of the character to the forefront.
It was through Ball that Logvinsky met and brought on board the iconic Debbie Harry. “Debbie is a real star, a legend of culture, and an incredibly beautiful human being,” Logvinsky expressed. The film’s energy continued to snowball, attracting an extraordinary cast and crew, including Sasha Pivovarova, Marc Geller, Jemima Kirke, Zac Posen, and the talented director of photography, Jo Jo Lam.
For Logvinsky, the making of “Catharsis” felt like a dream come true as the pieces fell into place. “Life felt like a dream as these pieces fell into place, and now our team is honored to be premiering ‘Catharsis’ at Tribeca Festival,” he shared.
For Harrison Ball, the film’s narrative mirrored his own transition from ballet to acting. “When Brian brought the script to me, it was right at the time that I had announced my retirement from the New York City Ballet in pursuit of acting,” he revealed. “It was ironic because the narrative of the film encompasses a troubled young dancer who desires something more than dance and is playing with the idea of leaving the ballet. It was serendipity to take on my first film that seemingly paralleled my reality. I am so grateful to Brian for seeing potential in me.”
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Ball described the film as leaning towards an experimental nature, capturing the birth of a new identity for both himself and Logvinsky. “We shot the film just four months after I left the stage. In a large way, it gave me permission to let go of my 25-year career in ballet to create space for a new modality of performing,” he shared.
According to Ball, “the film in its entirety is a montage of cathartic experiences. The film is more of a journey, a moment in a person’s life as opposed to a cohesive narrative where there is a clear beginning, middle, and end. I hope people feel the sense of being entertained by these scenes in whatever way they interpret them.”
Ball expressed his delight in the film finding a home at the Tribeca Festival, stating “I couldn’t be happier that it found a home at TFF as it couldn’t be more of a New York film if it tried,” he said.
With its world premiere set for June 14 at the Tribeca Festival 2024, “Catharsis” promises to be a cinematic experience like no other. Blending genres, cultures, and personal narratives, this boundary-pushing film invites audiences to embark on a transformative journey through the power of dance, self-discovery, and the pursuit of catharsis.
