White Nights (with Phil Dukarsky)

Greetings! In this episode of Stamper Cinema, we step into the Cold War era with Taylor Hackford’s White Nights (1985), a film that blends political tension, dance, and the undeniable magnetism of its cast. Starring Mikhail Baryshnikov as a Soviet ballet dancer who defects and Gregory Hines as an American tap dancer forced into exile, the film explores themes of freedom, loyalty, and identity against the backdrop of East–West tensions. With strong supporting performances from Helen Mirren and Isabella Rossellini, plus Lionel Richie’s Oscar-winning song “Say You, Say Me,” White Nights is as much a cultural artifact as it is a character drama.

Joining us for the action is writer/filmmaker/and movie lover, Phil Dukarsky. Phil does a great job breaking down its Cold War context, unforgettable dance sequences, and how the film resonates nearly four decades later. 

So whether you’re drawn to the performances, the politics, or just the power of dance, this episode has something for you. Enjoy!

• White Nights links
  • https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090319/
  • https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/white-nights
  • https://letterboxd.com/film/white-nights-1985/