All That Jazz
"A masterwork. An extravagant achievement that will be seen again and again." -Gene Shalit, NBC TV
Part tragic, part comic, this outrageous look at life in the fast lane is the Academy Award-winning musical about Bob Fosse's excessive life in show business. Played by Roy Scheider, Fosse's alter-ego drives himself over the edge and soon finds he is caught between a recurring fantasy about his death and the reality of a near-death experience. Dazzlingly presented, this electrifying story about the perils of pushing yourself too hard is filled with Fosse's legendary song-and-dance choreography.
Member Reviews
A sensationally put-together musical semi-autobiography. - estefan
A semi-autobiographical musical experience, Bob Fosse really delves into the character of Joe Gideon as does Roy Scheider, who gives an impressive performance. From one dance number to another, Fosse crafts some incredibly choreographed numbers, showcasing all of his trademark styles, all culminating in a final forty minutes and one of the most toe-tapping musical numbers about death. Directing, cinematography and editing wise, the film also deserves recognition, with some scenes (most notably Gideon's morning routine) recalling Stanley Kubrick. The screenplay is also funny and is ultimately an effective character story on this man and his relationships. Its 1970's feel is evident, but it hardly detracts from the film. If anything, it adds to it as it's hard to imagine All That Jazz done in such a kinetic style today, where the only filmmakers who still make films in that classic '70s style are Spielberg and Scorsese. In conclusion, All That Jazz is a very enjoyable experience and quite daunting look at the mind of the choreographer. From that opening scene set to "On Broadway" to the final scene (probably one of the best musical numbers set to film), Bob Fosse has the audience's interest.Fosse! - FilmJunkie
Bob Fosse's brilliant tribute to...himself.
We see the man live, almost die and return to his beloved stage. Roy Schieder is dead on as Fosse, he looks like him, he smokes like him and he moves like him.
Ann Reinking, Fosse's real girlfriend, knows the part so well that it oozes out of her.
Jessica Lange is breathtaking as Death. She encompasses all the beautiful women this man knew and loved and hopes to see on the other side. She is able to best him like no woman has and it makes him fall deeper and deeper for her.
This film is about life as a stage, to paraphrase the Bard, but is also about a life of addiction: to booze, women and admiration.
A lovely tribute to a brilliant man.Fosse Fosse 1, Fosse Fosse 2 - Bunuel
I give Bob Fosse credit for this ambitious project of a musical semi-autobiography focussing on his progress towards death. Unfortunately, I think the attempt failed.
As is well known by now, the protagonist of All That Jazz, Joe Gideon, is Fosse himself – a man who smokes too much, drinks too much, fornicates too much, works too hard, and takes speed. Not surprisingly, he has a massive heart attack. He has triple bypass surgery, fails to tend to his recovery, has a second heart attack, and - more suprisingly, since after all he is the protagonist - he dies.
In the meantime, we see him working, fornicating, etc. Only the work is interesting. Joe Gideon is represented as a great choreographer, and this is not undue pride on Fosse's part. The dance numbers in the movie are what make it worth seeing. The "Air-otica" sequence in particular, is stunning. Allied to this skill, Fosse had a great sense of the rhythm of film, and the editing – for which Alan Heim deservedly won an Oscar – is terrific.
The rest of the movie is simply too long, too repetitive, and unengaging. I found the sequences with a creepy Jessica Lange as the angel of death especially boring.
I have often wondered why Roy Scheider didn't have a better career. He's both funny and intense, never overplays, and is appealing in a very ordinary way. He's very good in this film. He added an intelligent and sincere scene-by-scene commentary to the DVD in 2001.
Look for a young John Lithgow in a very funny performance as a jealous rival of Gideon who hopes to take over direction of the play Gideon has been rehearsing until his heart attack.
Member Reviews
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A sensationally put-together musical semi-autobiography. - estefan
A semi-autobiographical musical experience, Bob Fosse really delves into the character of Joe Gideon as does Roy Scheider, who gives an impressive performance. From one dance number to another, Fosse crafts some incredibly choreographed numbers, showcasing ...Fosse! - FilmJunkie
Bob Fosse's brilliant tribute to...himself.
We see the man live, almost die and return to his beloved stage. Roy Schieder is dead on as Fosse, he looks like him, he smokes like him and he moves like him.
Ann Reinking, Fosse's real girlfriend, ...Fosse Fosse 1, Fosse Fosse 2 - Bunuel
I give Bob Fosse credit for this ambitious project of a musical semi-autobiography focussing on his progress towards death. Unfortunately, I think the attempt failed.
As is well known by now, the protagonist of All That Jazz, Joe Gideon, is Fosse himself ...