Isadora (1968)

Although she rose to fame in the early 1900s, modern dancer Isadora Duncan became posthumously popular during the 1960s. Ken Russell directed Vivian Pickles in the BBC biopic Isadora Duncan: the Biggest Dancer in the World (1966) before Karel Reisz contributed his pre-MTV conception of her in Isadora (1968). Adapted from the books “My Life” by Isadora Duncan and “Isadora, an Intimate Portrait” by Sewell Stokes, the film depicts Isadora (Vanessa Redgrave) as an uncontainable essence of creative vaginal energy that recklessly and pointedly pushes the notion of clitoral empowerment. In this flick, the notorious dancer and choreographer rocks the patriarchal hierarchy and exults in being shunned and relegated to “wild woman” status. She’s a forward-thinking, sexually indulgent, twinkle-toed transgressing tigress dancing to her own tune. Strewn with triumph and controversy, Ms. Duncan’s life is the stuff biographical movies are made of — especially when the lead struts her stuff in the buff! As the uninhibited performer, Vanessa literally loses her top while doing a ballet on stage. Nice tutus! In another scene, the naked babe leaps around a dark garret showing off her bare breasts, bush and butt! Suffice it to say, Ms. Redgrave puts the motion into this motion picture. Perhaps that’s why she received Best Actress nominations for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe. If that’s not impressive enough, the biopic was up for the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or award. Of course, it goes without saying, that the svelte star’s provocative performance garnered Mr. Skin’s Palm d’Organ!