This movie is equal parts showbiz romaticism and compelling cautionary tale. While films about showbusiness always have a level of metacommentary, here the play being performed also matches the characters performing it. The story is gripping enough to satisfy most audiences, while the allegory playing out in the metanarrative is consistent enough to satisfy pedantic critics. Even though the story is about ballet you don’t have to care about ballet to enjoy it, although if you hate ballet you’re out of luck here.

Closest comparison: It’s like Birdman by way of Virtigo, with a dash of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Setting: Showbiz
Plot: Showbiz
Tone: Drama