Cabaret (1972)

I had the good fortune to see this film when it first came out. I'll never forget the audience reaction when the end credits came on. There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by a standing ovation. People couldn't believe what they had just seen. It's interesting that people still have that same reaction after 34 years. I played it for a group of 20 somethings recently and they were blown away. Many weren't aware that it even existed. Great acting, great direction, wonderful music and flawless choreography make this a film deserving to be called a classic. Pay attention to "Wilcommen": the opening sequence. Once the introductions have been made and the dancing starts there are only three cuts within the number. "Maybe This Time" has two. At a time when musical numbers have been reduced to a series of cuts and jumps, a film that allows the music and the dancing to speak for itself is one not to be missed.
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I know my subject is a paradox, but it really describes this great musical. As edgy today as it was 30 years ago. Bob Fosse outdid himself with his edgy directing and superb choreography. Known for his street-wise ability to find fascinating characters from real-life and translating them to stage and screen, Fosse creates a Berlin that is a ticking time-bomb. The music is seemlessly integrated with the plot and Liza Minelli has her best on-screen performance. The only weak spot is Michael York, whose performance is so ineffectual and embarrassingly bad. But if you overlook that and focus on Joel Grey you will be awe-struck!!
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Groundbreaking choregraphy. Unique period piece. Interesting slice of life (weird lives, though). But not a single character is sympathetic or endearing. Sally Bowles is simply narcissistic and weak. The men are codependent messes with nothing admirable about them. There's no tension in the story, which is incredibly thin. I'm glad I saw it finally, but never need to see it again.
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Liza Minelli and Joel Grey are (or were) incredibly talented performers. Liza has a chemistry that defires understand whether on stage or in a movie. Bob Fosse brought these two talents to the peak performances of their careets. (And, yes I have seen both of them several times live on Broadway) See this move, you will never regret it.
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A great drama encased around an even better musical; witty and brilliantly choreographed. This was truly Liza Minelli's one and only stunning role, the only rival performance in the entire picture is Joel Grey. Who really peppered the entire movie with his somewhat twisted, yet comical stage presence that left you anticipating the next act in between the on-going story. I wouldn't say it's for children (any half-wit with a 6 year old can look at the cover of the movie and tell that) and wasn't intended to be, but it really is and will always remain an eclectic classic.
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This movie was OK. It was definitely not a PG movie, due to adult themes and some language. It should have been rated PG13 or possibly R. The music was exceptional, except for the fact that Liza Minnelli was singing it.
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