One of the better biopics thanks in large part to a stunning performance from Vanessa Redgrave in the title role of "Isadora" and meticulous direction from Karel Reisz who obviously knew what he was doing and displayed an obvious affection for his subject. It's intelligent and it looks great and there's a fine supporting cast so with all this going for it why does it feel like a very high-class soap opera? Perhaps because all biopics can finally do nothing but reduce their subject's lives to a series of melodramatic incidents or 'highlights'. Perhaps because most famous people's lives are dull most of the time and it's only the melodramatic incidents that people are interested in. This one spins out a series of dances, (very well recreated by Redgrave), and romantic encounters with sufficient aplomb to give it an edge over most biopics. It isn't quite in the same class as Ken Russell's shorter, rawer television version but it comes close.

Vanessa Redgrave who should be awarded Dame Commander of the British Empire if it was up to me but she declined damehood in 1999 and even regrets accepting the C.B.E. in 1967. She gives one of her best and memorable performances as the legendary dancer, Isadora Duncan. It is a long and memorable movie. THe best lover in my opinion is the foreign piano lover who is described first by Isadora as "hideous and revolting." When they finally share a carriage ride, she begins to recognize his inner beauty of another artist. Isadora's life is also tragic with the loss of her two children in a dreadful car accident. This film is really Vanessa Redgrave's vehicle. She drives smoothly from beginning to end. American actress, Cynthia Harris, does a good job in a featured role in this film. So does Jason Robards and others who bring the life to this wonderful creature.

It's biopic of famed dancer Isadora Duncan (Vanessa Redgrave) who lived from 1877 to 1927. Most of this is a bit low intensity despite the freeing performance of Redgrave. She is the star and the sun of the show. The intensity picks up with the Soviet part of her life. It's really the only major drama that she faces. Before that, her life has a lot of loves and life but it's not the highest of drama. The Soviet part is really interesting and I think the movie could have centered around that. Let's face it. This is all about Vanessa Redgrave. This is a compelling watch for her performance.