When presented with the complexity, depth and highly stylized nature of Taylor's work, one is struck by his ability to create a unified whole out of movement of the most yielding or the most turbulent character. The source of this, in terms of either choreographic choices or motivations, remains a mystery. While it is, for reasons grounded in the creative process itself, impossible to ever explain away such aspects, they are critical to a larger understanding of any artist and are a necessary component of a more serious examination. A good deal more could of have been done in the film to foster a better understanding of Taylor's technique both in movement and choreography. To state, as Taylor himself does, that his choreographic drive comes out of his fear to fail, is inadequate.
Many people have a fear of failure.
Most people are not Paul Taylor. The more interesting and relevant questions are those that try to get at the forces that direct and sculpt such energy into art. The film focuses on the experiences confronting Taylor and the company members, with all other matters essentially being refracted from this lens, leaving many of these questions unanswered. However, this orientation nevertheless presents a fascinating glimpse of life in the company specifically, and as a dancer in general. One of Dancemaker 's successes is that it presents the physical strains endured by the Taylor dancer within the context of an entire lifestyle marked by high levels of personal stress.