Showing posts with label Bob Fossee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bob Fossee. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

All That Jazz is a 1979 American musical drama film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Roy Scheider



 All That Jazz is a 1979 American musical drama film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Roy Scheider


Bob Fossee (1927 to 1987)

directed these films 


Sweet Charity - 1969

Cabaret - 1972

Lenny - 1974

All That Jazz - 1979

Star 80 - 1983


 All That Jazz centers around Joe Gideon (played by a phenomenal Roy Scheider), a driven and talented choreographer-director juggling multiple projects: a demanding Broadway musical, a Hollywood film in post-production, and his failing health. As he pushes himself to the limit, fueled by cigarettes, pills, and fleeting relationships, the film delves into the themes of self-destruction, workaholism, mortality, and the price of achieving artistic excellence.


All That Jazz" is considered a semi-autobiographical work, heavily influenced by Fossee's own experiences in the entertainment industry. His signature style, characterized by sharp angles, stark lighting, and intricate choreography, permeates every frame. The film's innovative editing techniques and fantastical musical numbers further solidify Fossee's status as a visionary 


The film garnered widespread critical acclaim, winning the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival and receiving nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Scheider. 



Saturday, February 10, 2024

Cabaret - A 1972 Musical Movie directed by Bob Fossee- Starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey

"Liza Minnelli plays Sally Bowles so well and fully that it doesn't matter how well she sings and dances, if you see what I mean. In several musical numbers (including the stunning finale "Cabaret" number), Liza demonstrates unmistakably that she's one of the great musical performers of our time. But the heartlessness and nihilism of the character is still there, all the time, even while we're being supremely entertained." Roger Ebert



The 1972 film Cabaret is an American musical drama film directed by Bob Fosse. It stars Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Marisa Berenson, and Joel Grey. The film is based on the 1968 stage musical of the same name, which in turn was based on the 1951 play I Am a Camera by John Van Druten and the 1939 novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood.


Cabaret is set in Berlin in 1931, during the Weimar Republic. The story follows Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli), an American cabaret singer who is trying to make a name for herself in the city. She falls in love with Brian Roberts (Michael York), a British writer who is struggling with his sexuality. Their relationship is complicated by the arrival of Maximilian von Heune (Helmut Griem), a wealthy and decadent playboy. As their love triangle unfolds, the shadow of the rising Nazi party looms large, casting a dark pall over the carefree atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub, where Sally performs. Sally and Brian live in the same boarding house. brian is in Berlin to advance his work for his PhD at Cambridge 


Cabaret was a critical and commercial success, winning eight Academy Awards, including Best Actress .

The love story intertwines seamlessly with the historical context, creating a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience.

Mesmerizing performances: Minnelli's electrifying portrayal of Sally remains unforgettable, complemented by strong performances from the supporting cast.
Bob Fosse's unique directing style: His signature choreography and use of shadows create a visually stunning and symbolic production.

Only one of the musical numbers is sung outside of the Kit Kat Club






As the movie progresses we see how much Sally is hiding from others and herself 

Joel Grey is fabulous as the Master of Ceremony of the Kit Kat
Club





"A great movie musical. Taking its form from political cabaret, it's a satire of temptations. In a prodigious balancing act, Bob Fosse, the choreographer-director, keeps the period—Berlin, 1931—at a cool distance. We see the decadence as garish and sleazy; yet we also see the animal energy in it—everything seems to become sexualized. The movie does not exploit decadence; rather, it gives it its due. With Joel Grey as our devil-doll host—the master of ceremonies—and Liza Minnelli (in her first singing role on the screen) as exuberant, corruptible Sally Bowles, chasing after the life of a headliner no matter what; Minnelli has such gaiety and electricity that she becomes a star before our eyes." Pauline Kael in her review in The New Yorker

 

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Sweet Charity- A 1969 Musical- Bob Fossee's Directorial Debut with his choreography- Starring Shirley MacLaine




Sweet Charity- A 1969 Musical- Bob Fossee Directorial Debut with his choreography- Starring Shirley MacLaine 

Directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse (in his feature directorial debut)

Stars Shirley MacLaine as Charity Hope Valentine, a taxi dancer with a heart of gold who is always looking for love.

Based on the 1966 Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn is based on Federico Fellini's 1957 film Nights of Cabiria.

Charity Hope Valentine works as a taxi dancer at the Fandango Ballroom, a rundown dance hall in New York City. Despite her difficult circumstances, Charity remains optimistic and hopeful, always looking for love. She has a series of bad dates with men who take advantage of her, but she never gives up hope.

One day, Charity meets Vittorio Vidal, a famous Italian movie star. She is immediately smitten with him, and he seems to be interested in her as well. However, their relationship is short-lived, and Vittorio leaves Charity heartbroken.

Feeling discouraged, Charity decides to give up on love. However, she soon meets Oscar Lindquist, a shy and reserved man who works as an accountant. Oscar is kind and genuine, and Charity begins to fall in love with him.

Sweet Charity received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's performances, music, and choreography, while others criticized its dark tone and lack of humor. However, the film was a box office success, grossing over $20 million at the box office.

Sweet Charity is considered a classic of musical cinema. The film's innovative choreography and iconic songs, such as "Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now," have been praised by critics and audiences alike.

I see Sally Bowles and Roxie coming.

 Awards and nominations 

Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

 Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Shirley MacLaine)

Directors Guild of America Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures (Bob Fosse)





 

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