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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

 

1 comment:

  1. I don't think I've actually watched this, only seen clips and musical numbers over the years. I should add it to a TBW list!

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