I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can (1982)
Directed by Jack Hofsiss, the biographical film I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can (1982) stars Jill Clayburgh. Holding a successful career in a male-dominated industry and in a solid relationship with her live-in lover, attorney Derek Bauer, Barbara Gordon appears to have it all. However, beneath her façade lies a high-strung personality that heavily relies on sedatives to reduce tension and anxiety. This helps her maintain a composed exterior for her friends and associates. Her current project centers on cancer patient Jean Scott Martin and her husband Ben, highlighting how the couple is dealing with the progression of the disease. Despite reservations from her collaborators, Barbara remains determined to end the film on a positive note, showcasing the Martins embracing on the beach.
After viewing a rough cut, Jean, a fatalist, is outraged by Barbara’s false optimism and vigorously expresses her disapproval of Barbara’s decisions. This triggers a severe depressive episode in Barbara, causing her to rely on Dr. Kalman, her long-time therapist, and an increased dosage of Valium. After realizing that Kalman’s treatment has been ineffective and acknowledging her dependency on drugs, Barbara reaches a moment of realization. Her attempt to quit cold turkey leads to a rapid decline in physical, mental, and emotional well-being as Derek refuses to allow her access to medical aid and strives to dominate her through his alcohol-fueled determination. After multiple physical altercations with Derek, she becomes imprisoned and bound to a chair—bruised, bloodied, and broken.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Jill ClayburghBarbara Gordon  Nicol WilliamsonDerek Bauer  Dianne WiestJulie Addison  Geraldine PageJean Scott Martin  Joe PesciRoger  Daniel SternJim |
Directed by Jack Hofsiss, the biographical film I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can (1982) stars Jill Clayburgh. Holding a successful career in a male-dominated industry and in a solid relationship with her live-in lover, attorney Derek Bauer, Barbara Gordon appears to have it all. However, beneath her façade lies a high-strung personality that heavily relies on sedatives to reduce tension and anxiety. This helps her maintain a composed exterior for her friends and associates. Her current project centers on cancer patient Jean Scott Martin and her husband Ben, highlighting how the couple is dealing with the progression of the disease. Despite reservations from her collaborators, Barbara remains determined to end the film on a positive note, showcasing the Martins embracing on the beach.
After viewing a rough cut, Jean, a fatalist, is outraged by Barbara’s false optimism and vigorously expresses her disapproval of Barbara’s decisions. This triggers a severe depressive episode in Barbara, causing her to rely on Dr. Kalman, her long-time therapist, and an increased dosage of Valium. After realizing that Kalman’s treatment has been ineffective and acknowledging her dependency on drugs, Barbara reaches a moment of realization. Her attempt to quit cold turkey leads to a rapid decline in physical, mental, and emotional well-being as Derek refuses to allow her access to medical aid and strives to dominate her through his alcohol-fueled determination. After multiple physical altercations with Derek, she becomes imprisoned and bound to a chair—bruised, bloodied, and broken.
