649. All That Jazz

All That Jazz
1979
Directed by Bob Fosse

I have heard this movie compared to both 8 1/2 and Cabaret, two movies I just can't stand.  Perhaps I ruined it for myself, but I hated it as much as I expected to.

Joe Gideon is trying to work on a Broadway play while editing a Hollywood movie.  Apparently, he can't do this without having sex all the time, chain-smoking, and drugs.  What an artist.  His heart gets increasingly worse but he ignores all his symptoms.  There is nothing more frustrating to watch than someone self destructing.  Especially when there isn't even a good soundtrack to go along with it.

I just don't think I got this movie.  I really didn't understand what the tone was supposed to be.  I'm also not sure if we were supposed to sympathize with the main character or hate him.  I chose the latter.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

The film was based on Bob Fosse's own experience of having a heart attack, directing Chicago on stage, and editing his film Lenny.

Stanley Kubrick apparently said this was one of the best films he has ever seen.

544. Cabaret

Cabaret
1972
Directed by Bob Fosse

I love musicals and I think I praise just about every musical on The List.  However, I HATE this film.  Every character was insufferable, every musical number was irritating, and every plot point was absurd.  I remember seeing this movie and thinking "this may be my least favorite film of all time!"  Of course, The List has now exposed to me to plenty more atrocities since then.  Still, this movie will always fill a special place in my hateful heart.

Sally Bowles performs at a night club in 1931 Berlin.  She meets a young professor who is confused about his sexuality.  She manages to seduce him, but things seem to fall apart again when they both become infatuated with a rich playboy.

Have you ever heard a more annoying song than "Money, Money"?  Have you ever seen a more irritating actress than Liza Minnelli?  The only song that I can stand is "Maybe This Time" but I never really enjoyed Minnelli's cover of it.

Is there any movie that can get us out of this slump?

RATING: *----

Interesting Facts:

"Maybe This Time" was not in the original play.  Liza Minnelli had recorded it for her first album and persuaded the filmmakers to use it in the movie.

The only decent song: