I saw the movie "Cabaret" last night on day 24 in my 34 Days of Oscar. This musical was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning 8 of them. It won for Best Director (Bob Fosse), Best Actress (Liza Minnelli), Best Supporting Actor (Joel Grey), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Score (Original or Adapted), Best Art Direction and Best Sound. "Cabaret" was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay."Cabaret" is loosely based on the 1966 Broadway musical of the same name. It is set in Berlin, just about the time the Nazi regime is beginning to become 
popular. Liza Minnelli stars as Sally Bowles, an American entertainer at the Kit Kat Klub. Michael York plays Brian Roberts, the British writer who moves into Sally's apartment building and eventually becomes her friend and lover. Joel Grey is the "master of ceremonies" at the club. His character is not really part of the storyline, but he instead serves as a storyteller and gives the audience a glimpse into the world of the cabaret. The main story of "Cabaret" follows Sally trying to make something of herself during the last days of free Germany. The biggest obstacle standing in Sally's 
way is herself. She is constantly throwing herself at anyone that might be able to advance her standing in society or help her career. As the influence of the Nazi party begins to get ever larger, Sally is forced to make a decision: marry Brian and move with back to England with him or stay working at the Kit Kat Klub as the main attraction.
popular. Liza Minnelli stars as Sally Bowles, an American entertainer at the Kit Kat Klub. Michael York plays Brian Roberts, the British writer who moves into Sally's apartment building and eventually becomes her friend and lover. Joel Grey is the "master of ceremonies" at the club. His character is not really part of the storyline, but he instead serves as a storyteller and gives the audience a glimpse into the world of the cabaret. The main story of "Cabaret" follows Sally trying to make something of herself during the last days of free Germany. The biggest obstacle standing in Sally's 
way is herself. She is constantly throwing herself at anyone that might be able to advance her standing in society or help her career. As the influence of the Nazi party begins to get ever larger, Sally is forced to make a decision: marry Brian and move with back to England with him or stay working at the Kit Kat Klub as the main attraction.I think "Cabaret" is one of the best films I have seen so far while doing this blog. This 40 year old film is fun and entertaining with well done musical numbers that also serve to slightly advance the plot from time to time. Liza Minnelli's Academy Award winning performance brought just the right mixture of confidence
and vulnerability to her role and was enthralling whenever she was up on stage. I thought Joel Grey made this movie better with every scene he was in. In his Academy Award winning role, he never has dialogue other than the songs he is singing, but every time he appeared on screen, it brought a smile to my face. All of the technical awards were deserved as well. The movie looked great with the Award winning directing, sound, score, editing, art design and cinematography all helping to advance the story and entertain at the same time. "Cabaret" has 
the unfortunate distinction of being the film with the most wins (8) at the Academy Awards to never win Best Picture. This is the year that "The Godfather" won 3 awards, including Best Picture.
Overall, I give "Cabaret" 5 out of 5 stars. I understand that this is a hate it or love it type of film, and there are a lot of people who won't care for it, but it has been a while since I have seen a movie that has kept me entertained like this one did. I didn't have a lot of interest before last night of seeing this film, but now I know why is won as many awards as it did. I can even imagine a world where this would have beat "Godfather" for Best Picture.
and vulnerability to her role and was enthralling whenever she was up on stage. I thought Joel Grey made this movie better with every scene he was in. In his Academy Award winning role, he never has dialogue other than the songs he is singing, but every time he appeared on screen, it brought a smile to my face. All of the technical awards were deserved as well. The movie looked great with the Award winning directing, sound, score, editing, art design and cinematography all helping to advance the story and entertain at the same time. "Cabaret" has 
the unfortunate distinction of being the film with the most wins (8) at the Academy Awards to never win Best Picture. This is the year that "The Godfather" won 3 awards, including Best Picture.Overall, I give "Cabaret" 5 out of 5 stars. I understand that this is a hate it or love it type of film, and there are a lot of people who won't care for it, but it has been a while since I have seen a movie that has kept me entertained like this one did. I didn't have a lot of interest before last night of seeing this film, but now I know why is won as many awards as it did. I can even imagine a world where this would have beat "Godfather" for Best Picture.
1 comment:
Wow, I didn't expect such a high rating. Do you know I have never seen Cabaret? I guess I may have been scared off by the combination of Joel Grey (in androgenous makeup, no less) and Liza Minelli (who I seem to only be able to take in short doses -- even in Arthur, which I loved, it was a struggle for me to get through some of her scenes).
Someday I suppose I'll check it out, though -- especially since you and I have movie-going tastes which seem to be in sync so frequently.
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