All
That Jazz
Released
December 1979
Starring
Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange (as Angelique), Ann Reinking,
Leland Palmer, Cliff Gorman
Directed by Bob Fosse
123 min.
Box
office gross - 20 million
See
complete credits at Internet
Movie Database
Director/choreographer
Bob Fosse's own autobiographical vision is shown through
the eyes of Joe Gideon, a chain smoking, pill popping,
booze drinking, womanizing Broadway director whose hectic
life is headed in a rapid downward sprial. A heart attack
catches up with him midway through the film and a from
his hospital bed, he sees his life flash before him as
an elaborate staged fantasy. Jessica Lange's role is merely
presented as a decorate piece - swathed in white chiffon,
she is Gideon's "Angel of Death", prodding him
with questions and observations about his life. The elaborate
choreography, sharp editing and an energetic performance
by Roy Scheider helped the film achieve an Oscar nomination
for Best Film of 1979 yet it is hard for the viewer to
see what appeal this character has and why others gravitate
toward him. A must see for Bob Fosse fans.
Critical
Sampling:
"Egomaniacal,
wonderfully choreographed, often compelling...more an
art item than a broad commercial prospect." -
Variety
Back
to Filmography
How
To Beat The High Cost Of Living
