Northwest Film Forum

Paul Taylor: Creative Domain is a rare intimate portrait of one of the most acclaimed choreographers in American dance history. The film amuses, captivates, and educates its audience by delving into the enigmatic process of one of modern dance's most prolific choreographers, Paul Taylor. Director Kate Geis follows Taylor through the rehearsal process for his piece, 'Three Dubious Moments,' beginning with casting and ending with the first performance. The film keeps an eye on the rehearsal room as 80-year-old Taylor demonstrates gestures or feelings to his dancers, rarely using his own body to create the movements that eventually make it to the stage. When asked about his process, the dancers in his company mention the intuition and hidden depths of intention present in Taylor's work. As the performance and rehearsals evolve, the documentary immerses us in the company of dancers, choreographers, and viewers who all watch Taylor's every move, hoping to capture some fleeting insight into the the mind of the man who evokes open-ended storytelling and innovative movement with every new piece he creates.