24. THE COMPANY
 
United States
dir. Robert Altman
world premiere 2003
U.S. release 2003
 

 
Because it deftly showcases the artistry of the Joffrey Ballet while summoning that restive interplay of characters, plots, and peccadilloes that typify an Altman film. The ethos of ensemble furnishes a lovely meeting-ground for these two sensibilities; the ballet is no sacred cow, but it does coax the director toward one of his most delicate movies.