IMDb 6.4 2002 HD

The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky

The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky

2002
Documentary Drama
95 min NR
3.6 / 10
6.4 IMDB

Dramatization of Russian ballet star Vaclav Nijinsky's diaries which detail his madness as well as his homosexual relationship with Ballet Russe impresario Sergei Diaghilev and his marriage to…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Paul Cox
Starring
Derek Jacobi / Delia Silvan / Chris Haywood / Hans Sonneveld / Oliver Streeton

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

introspective dramatic melancholic complex raw powerful challenging emotional artistic personal historical insightful

Reviews

S
Seraphina Khan
May 9, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

This dramatisation of Nijinsky's diaries offers a glimpse into his internal struggles and romantic entanglements. The film tackles significant themes, including his relationship with Diaghilev and his marriage, as well as his mental health decline. While the acting…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 9, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A masterclass in sensitive portrayal, 'The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky' is a profound cinematic achievement. It navigates the delicate terrain of mental illness, artistic passion, and forbidden love with remarkable nuance. The direction is assured, allowing the raw…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 9, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

The film attempts to capture the essence of Vaslav Nijinsky’s tumultuous life through his diaries. It delves into his personal relationships, including his connection with Diaghilev and his marriage, alongside his deteriorating mental health. The performances are committed,…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 9, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A potent exploration of genius and fragility, 'The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky' is a film that lingers. It bravely confronts the dancer's descent into madness and the passionate, complicated bonds he shared. The performances, particularly from the ensemble…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 9, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This adaptation of Vaslav Nijinsky's diaries offers a window into a turbulent mind. Derek Jacobi's presence lends gravitas, though the film sometimes struggles to translate the intimacy of written word to the screen. The direction navigates the complexities…

FAQs

Based on its subject matter, 'The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky' likely adopts a tone that is introspective, dramatic, and potentially melancholic. The dramatisation of a dancer's diaries, particularly one documenting mental decline and intense personal relationships, suggests a focus on emotional depth and psychological realism rather than lightheartedness.