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What's After the Movie?
Biographical documentary

Cunningham (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Cunningham (2019) movie poster

Cunningham is a 2019 biographical documentary directed by Alla Kovgan, starring John Cage, Carolyn Brown and Ashley Chen. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $367,788 worldwide. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 83 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
89%
worldwide gross
$367.8K
Echo Score
78
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Cunningham (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Alla Kovgan
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Cunningham About?

The premise of Cunningham without spoilers.

This documentary explores the career of Merce Cunningham, a groundbreaking choreographer who revolutionized modern dance. The film charts his journey from the years following World War II to his rise as a globally recognized dance icon, covering the period from 1944 to 1972. Utilizing 3D filmmaking techniques, the documentary immerses the viewer in Cunningham’s creative process and philosophical approach, showcasing the development of his influential and enduring works.

Cunningham Themes & Keywords

· 20 tags
  • modern dance
  • choreographer
  • new york
  • avant garde
  • dancer
  • audio interview
  • modern ballet
  • archive footage
  • collaboration
  • one word title
  • dancing
  • 1940s
+8 more
  • 1950s
  • 1960s
  • 1970s
  • year 1964
  • rooftop
  • new york city
  • 3d
  • 3 dimensional
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Cast & crew

Cunningham Cast

John Cage leads the cast, with Carolyn Brown and Ashley Chen. Directed by Alla Kovgan; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Cunningham

· 6 more
Ratings

Cunningham Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Cunningham 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 83 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (90) and weakest in character & emotion (60).

78 /100

Cunningham Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Cunningham earns distinction for its striking visual and sensory achievements while offering a thoughtful tribute to Merce Cunningham’s spirit. The film is frequently described as a riveting audiovisual odyssey, leveraging inventive editing and immersive soundscapes to evoke the essence of contemporary dance. However, its elliptical narrative structure and limited contextual depth produce occasional pacing issues and emotional distance. On balance, it emerges as a distinctive, if somewhat aloof, documentary experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 82

    The film demonstrates a strong command of visual composition and editing. Critics highlight the kinetic framing and inventive panel sequencing that capture Cunningham’s choreographic innovations. A few point out moments where the abundance of visual information risks overshadowing thematic clarity. Overall, Cunningham’s art and craft shine through dynamic cinematography and thoughtful production design.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary conveys Cunningham’s presence without fully immersing viewers in his inner life. The portrayal relies on fleeting glimpses of the choreographer’s personality and creative process, resulting in a sense of distance. Its measured pacing and elliptical structure further limit emotional engagement. As a result, the film offers only a modest connection to its central figure.

  • Story & Flow 68

    In terms of story and flow, the film presents an original but occasionally disjointed narrative. The non-linear sequencing and rapid transitions aim to mirror the spontaneity of dance, yet critics note these choices sometimes fragment coherence. Some viewers find the brisk pacing engaging, while others experience impatience with the frequent cuts. Overall, the structure remains compelling but uneven in its delivery.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    When it comes to sensory experience, the documentary excels with an immersive audiovisual presentation. Vivid visual styling and a dynamic soundscape consistently reinforce the kinetic energy of contemporary dance. Observers praise the integration of score and sound design for deepening engagement in each sequence. In summary, the film’s sensory elements stand out as its primary achievement.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film appeals strongly to aficionados of avant-garde dance but may offer limited mass replayability. Its elliptical approach and focus on abstract moments reward close study and stylistic appreciation, even on subsequent viewings. However, the lack of contextual framing and narrative anchor may reduce broader appeal over time. Ultimately, devoted viewers will find value in repeat viewings more than casual audiences.

Box office

Cunningham Box Office

Cunningham grossed $367,788 worldwide. $265,102 came from the US and Canada and $102,686 (28%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$367.8K

US & Canada
$265.1K
International
$102.7K
US & Canada 72% Rest of the world 28%
Videos

Cunningham Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Cunningham.

Cunningham - Official Trailer
Details

Cunningham Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “再现康宁汉” and “Каннингем”.

Also known as
  • 再现康宁汉
  • Каннингем
  • 肯宁汉
  • Кънингам
  • 機遇之舞
  • 커닝햄

Seen Cunningham?

FAQ

Cunningham FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Cunningham, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Cunningham?

Cunningham runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Cunningham released?

Cunningham was released on December 13, 2019.

Who directed Cunningham?

Cunningham was directed by Alla Kovgan.

Who is in the cast of Cunningham?

Cunningham stars John Cage, Carolyn Brown and Ashley Chen, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Cunningham make at the box office?

Cunningham grossed $367,788 worldwide ($265,102 domestic, $102,686 international).

How is Cunningham rated?

Cunningham has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does Cunningham have a post-credit scene?

No. Cunningham has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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