Panorama review - THE CIRCUS DYNASTY by Anders Riis-Hansen

Anders Riis-Hansen delves in territories that inspired the likes of Federico Fellini and cecil B. DeMille in his documentary The Circus Dynasty, which was presented at the 27th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
 
Two families, the Berdino and the Casselly, with a long history of circus performances united around twenty years ago to create an admirable touring dynasty of heart stopping and exciting shows. The colourful backdrop of the circus also creates a fairytale like backdrop to a love between the son and daughter of the two families, a love that represents the highest realisation of both of the families' dreams. This fairytale atmosphere is fully embraced by the filmmaked Anders Riis-Hansen, who chooses purposefully to stay out of more controversial issues that have rightfully plagued the world of circus and that may lead to critiques about the film being superficial in not dealing if not downright ignoring animal rights issues - both families include animals in their shows.
It is understood, however, that in classic cinema, the circus has been represented as a magical place, and as such that is the influence and vibe that runs throughout The Circus Dynasty. This is a documentary, in fact, that feels a lot like a work of fiction. As such, not only does it recount the aformentioned romance between the boy and the girl, which is intensified by the incredible pressure their unity brings with it and a group of American tycoons being on the verge of offering the Berdino and the Casselly a contract that may represent the realisation of a dream and the culmination of their ambition and wealth. It also means some thrilling sequences and added suspense as Riis-Hansen allows the viewer to be swept away by the suspense of the acribatic tricks, often by taking his cameras right in the arena and making his viewers feel an active part of the act.
 
The Circus Dynasty is a film mainly made for the sake of entertainment, and is succesful at resulting in a fun viewing experience. It's a real treat to see the behind the scenes machinations that take place before the act. Likewise, Hanssen is aided not only by the colourful and traditional world of circus, but also by the colourful nature of the characters, whose personalities and ways are charismatic in their own right.