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Embrace

Pearlstein deconstructs the "lovers' embrace" as it has appeared in movies throughout the history of cinema. Through repetition, this most melodramatic of moments is reduced to a set of gestures, which must depend on the tropes of sentimentalism for their power. To this effect, Pearlstein employs swooping music and a surprise ending that serves to punctuate the piece's playful deconstruction.

Camera: Amy Epstein, Alix Pearlstein. Performers: Steve Ratazzi, Alix Pearlstein.