How to restart a circus show after a pandemic.
Before I saw the doc “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net,” I was asked if I ever saw the Cirque du Soleil in New York and Las Vegas. I said: “No, but I have seen their 3D movie “Worlds Away.” I thought it was an elaborate experience, especially the way it closes with The Beatles’ “All You Need is Love.” But probably the best moment on film for them is when Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd eat magic mushrooms during their performance in “Knocked Up.” I can’t speak for fans of the show, but I still think these performers can shine in reality and on film.
“Without a Net” takes place after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the show lost its crowd, and when things were clearing up, the cast and crew prepare for the comeback show. Their water themed show known as “O.” A perfect choreography between sky and water, no less.
The stage of water features synchronized swimmers, who are now known as artistic swimmers, and rescue divers are always required to help performers during the show. And the baby steps to getting this whole show back in the saddle must require time and commitment. That means the costumes and sets must be legit, and the performers must rehearse.
Certain interview segments are basically the same with certain conflicts and rehearsal issues, but still “Without a Net” is high-spirited in the ways it recovers from a global pandemic and wants to continue its legacy. And seeing the behind the scenes look-from the sets to the crew-is really cool. The tanks need to be filled with water, the sets need to be in perfect sync with the swimmers, and it all takes precision and patience to make sure these numbers are immaculate. And their floating ship that moves back and forth provides the performers with strength and timing. You bet they do.
I was reminded of how I came to Boulder International Film Festival (B.I.F.F.) for the first time, literally a week before the shutdown in 2020. I went to see this with my cousins at the festival, and one of them had to leave early, because he was sick. We were worried he had you know what, but he tested himself, and he was negative. That’s a good thing. Maybe watch this movie on Amazon Prime when you’re healthy, so you don’t stress out. I know because I was stressed at the time, but my overall experience of “Without a Net” is the patience and spirts that helps keeps this show alive. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see the real show one day.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video This Friday