This is the prophetic autobiography of Bob Fosse. (He changed the names to protect the guilty!) Very flamboyant, very energetic, as Bob was himself. Owning up to his many foibles, he paints a picture of the "artiste" as both a creature that is super human in creativity, while at the same time displaying a depraved indifference to the feelings of those close to him even to his own life. He crafted a captivating tale of life viewed through is own eyes and through those of his audience. Recommended.
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I've only seen two films more than 100 times--Star Wars, and All That Jazz. This is one of those films that can't be described. It must be experienced--and the bigger the screen, the better. I've never been a fan of Musicals--but this is so much more than that that the singing and dancing, when it arrived, seemed essential to telling the lead character's compelling story. And it showcases Ben Vereen in his prime! My GOD could that man MOVE!
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If you've never seen this phenomenal film, do yourself a big favor and rent it. After his near death experience, famous (some would say 'infamous') director/Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse set about writing, directing and choreographing this semi-biopic loosely based on his life.... and I do mean "loosely". It begins with "Joe Gideon" (main character unexpectedly played by Roy Scheider) flirting with death (a character named "Angelique" and played by Jessica Lange), and proceeds into Gideon's morning routine of Dexedrine, cigarettes and a shower. From there, it then flows beautifully into a cattle call of dancers on Broadway. It'll take your breath away! I believe that this film, which debuted in 1979, garnered approximately 5 Academy Awards. It is, in a word, unforgettable. Now, even though it's a bit racy and not suitable for young children, I watched it with my, then, 12 and 13 year old girls, making sure to explain scenes as appropriately as I could. Both of my girls loved this movie from the first moment, and have seen it countless times. When my oldest girl, who is now 16 years old, began taking a dance class at school, she was delighted to be the only student in her class who was familiar with both Bob Fosse and his wonderful film. So, go to Blockbuster, netflix.com, or wherever you rent your DVDs. Then, buy a nice bottle of wine/champagne, or pour yourself a martini, get in some comfy jammies, and prepare yourself for roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes of pure magic. Remember, though, it's not a Hollywood "formula" flick, and it has a flow unlike anything you've ever seen before. Beautiful from start to finish, it is truly a masterpiece.Read full review
This semi-autobiographical story of the hard-drinking, chain-smoking, speed-popping, womanizing yet lovable choreographer Joe Gideon (played by Roy Shieder and clearly meant to be Bob Fosse himself) is touching and funny with amazing dance numbers and amazing dancers. Many of the songs are old chestnuts but are brought to Techinicolor life with Fosse's trademark choreography. If you want to study Fosse's style, this is the film to watch! The plot flips between Gideon's overly busy real life and conversations with the lovely Angel Of Death (played by Jessica Lange). The latter shows glimpses into Joe's (Fosse's) past that help explain how he turned out as he did. Death is also Gideon's sounding board, giving free rein to his thoughts and feelings about his life. The very R-rated dance sequence "Take Off With Us" is, in my opinion, the best work Fosse or any other chorepgrapher has ever done (better even than Twilla Tharp's work in "Hair"), and the Hospital Hallucination sequence is inspired, with wonderful, all-too-short song-and-dance numbers. But the most delightful number is "When Everything Old Is New Again," a dance which Gideon's girlfriend and daughter put together and perform to cheer Gideon up. It is so sweet and lovely it makes your heart ache for this man who is so loved and yet throws it all away. If you have a song in your heart at all you will walk out of this movie singing and trying to copy the dance moves. Worthy of repeated viewing, and absolutley terrific film!Read full review
I saw this movie when it was release and I never bought a copy in any media, except the soundtrack. I love it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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