Roseland (1977)

**Roseland (1977)** Roseland (1977) is a quintessential James Ivory film, a poignant anthology set entirely within the opulent, if fading, New York dance palace of its title. The film artfully weaves together three distinct, sometimes subtly connecting, stories, each exploring the universal, yet deeply personal, theme of finding the right dance partner. Whether it's the hope of a fresh start, the rekindling of an old flame, or the quiet solace of familiar companionship, the characters within Roseland seek a perfect match on the dance floor, a metaphor for the deeper longing for connection and belonging in their lives. This deeply humanistic approach is precisely why *Roseland* belongs on a list of Best James Ivory Movies. It exemplifies the core strengths of Merchant Ivory Productions: a sensitive, character-driven narrative, often focusing on the interior lives of individuals against a meticulously crafted backdrop. Under Ivory's direction, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's perceptive screenplay brings to life a collection of hopeful, sometimes heartbroken, but always resilient individuals, played by an ensemble cast in performances of quiet power. The fading grandeur of the Roseland Ballroom itself acts as a poignant, almost a character in its own right, reflecting the dreams and dashed hopes of its patrons, a common Ivory technique where setting becomes integral to the emotional landscape. It's a masterclass in nuanced storytelling and emotional depth that remains profoundly moving.