“All That Jazz” is a 1979 musical drama film about the turbulent life of a Broadway director and choreographer, Joe Gideon.
Gideon is a conductor of his own orchestra; he’s in charge of his show and demands perfection from himself and others.
As he prepares for his latest production, Gideon is forced to confront his mortality and reflect on his choices, including those that have damaged his relationships.
Through dazzling dance numbers and a compelling storyline, “All That Jazz” captures the beautiful chaos of artistry and the brutal cost of its pursuit.
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Review
In 1979, Bob Fosse’s masterpiece “All That Jazz” gave us a unique insight into the life of a man who loved to dance and lived life to the fullest, even as it was slipping away. The film is something of an enigma, incorporating elements of drama, comedy, musicals, and tragedy into a seamless whole. It defies genre conventions and captivates audiences with its stylish execution and captivating storyline.
The story follows Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider), an overworked and under-rested choreographer-director who is juggling a multitude of projects while his personal life is falling apart. He smokes constantly, pops pills like candy, cheats on his girlfriend Katie (Ann Reinking), and ignores his daughter Michelle (Erzsebet Foldi) in favor of work. He’s also dealing with impending open-heart surgery that he refuses to face head-on.
Watching this man’s descent from grace is both fascinating and painful. Fosse creates a character that is both charismatic and flawed, someone we can admire for his talent but not necessarily condone for his actions. In many ways, Gideon represents Fosse himself; both were workaholics who pushed themselves to the limit until their bodies couldn’t take it anymore.
The film’s structure is also noteworthy. It opens with a stunning montage that sets the stage for what’s to come – glimpses of Gideon’s frenzied pace as he works on various projects – before diving into the main narrative. Throughout the film, there are several dream sequences that add depth and meaning to the story. One such sequence features Gideon having a conversation with Angelique (Jessica Lange), an angelic figure who represents death. It’s hauntingly beautiful and speaks volumes about Gideon’s fear of dying.
The music in “All That Jazz” is equally impressive. The score combines original songs by Ralph Burns with classic jazz tunes like George Benson’s “On Broadway” and Ben Vereen’s rendition of “Bye Bye Blackbird.” The film also features a memorable dance number set to the tune of “Take Off With Us,” which showcases Fosse’s choreography at its best.
The film’s cast is top-notch, with Roy Scheider delivering a career-defining performance as Gideon. He captures the character’s charm, wit, and vulnerability with ease. Ann Reinking is also outstanding as Katie, Gideon’s loving but frustrated girlfriend. And Jessica Lange is a scene-stealer as Angelique, bringing an otherworldly presence to the screen.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of “All That Jazz” is its attention to detail. From the costumes to the sets to the lighting, every element of this film has been crafted with care. The cinematography by Giuseppe Rotunno is stunning, capturing both the glitz and grit of New York City in the late ’70s. And Fosse’s direction is masterful – he knows exactly when to pull back and when to push forward for maximum impact.
Despite all its strengths, “All That Jazz” wasn’t without its critics. Some felt that Fosse glorified his bad behavior instead of condemning it. Others thought that the film was too self-indulgent and bloated. But these criticisms miss the point; “All That Jazz” isn’t meant to be a morality tale or a traditional biopic. It’s an exploration of what it means to be human – flawed, fragile, and ultimately mortal.
In conclusion, “All That Jazz” is a masterpiece that should not be missed by any lover of cinema. Its unique blend of genres and styles creates an unforgettable viewing experience that speaks directly to the heart. As Joe Gideon says near the end of the film: “I can’t make you love me but I can make you understand.” Fosse certainly understood the complexities of life, and “All That Jazz” is a testament to his talent and vision.
Technical Data
- Release : 1979-12-16
- Runtime : 123
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Roy Scheider as Joe Gideon, Jessica Lange as Angelique, Ann Reinking as Kate Jagger, Leland Palmer as Audrey Paris, Erzsebet Foldi as Michelle
- Crew : Alan Heim as Editor, Howard Feuer as Casting, Kenneth Utt as Executive Producer, Kenneth Utt as Production Manager, Albert Wolsky as Costume Design
- Revenue : $37,823,676
- Budget : $12,000,000
- Company : Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox
- Popularity : 15.102
- Summary : Joe Gideon is at the top of the heap, one of the most successful directors and choreographers in musical theater. But he can feel his world slowly collapsing around him – his obsession with work has almost destroyed his personal life, and only his bottles of pills keep him going.
- Tagline : All that work. All that glitter. All that pain. All that love. All that crazy rhythm. All that jazz.
