Roy Scheider racked up some great performances in the 70s. The French Connection, Klute, Jaws, The Marathon Man, The Last Embrace and All that jazz. Never got the recognition he deserved.
I remember when I saw this film in Minneapolis in '79, the opening gave me serious chills. I don't know how else to say it, as cliche as it sounds, but damn I recall those chills up and down my spine. I've watched it god knows how many times since and it never fails to stir me.
My Dad made me watch this many many years ago. I was so annoyed at him, because I didn’t want to watch a “dumb old movie”. Now, I thank my Dad for introducing me to this masterpiece. One of the best movies I’ve ever seen and it is up there in my faves. Wildly under appreciated too. I’m always hearing “never heard of/seen that” when I mention this in a conversation about my movie faves. So good!
Your comment makes me think of that Mark Twain quote, “when I was 17. My father was so stupid, I could barely stand to have the old man around. When I turned 24 I was amazed at how much he learned in seven years.“
An absolute masterclass not only on how to open a film but also establish the main character. There are many details in these 5 minutes that tell you everything you need to know abot Joseph with minimum use of dialogue, and it's fantastic.
Fosse used editing like a painter uses brush & paint. He painted with the sound of dancer's feet & his visuals soared because he was a natural framer. I actually still get moved by this opening, it so perfectly catches Broadway gypsy auditioning life - and death. And a New York that no longer exists.
@@JasonStevens Tell when you trust an actor’s delivery. For instance Quint’s monologue in Jaws or Dr. Loomis’ “I met him fifteen years ago...” monologue in Halloween. There are no rules.
I love this movie, above all, because it is so gutsy of Fosse to portray his own life with such honesty. He never hesitates to show us what a bastard he could sometimes be.
This was a regular in the early days of HBO. In the early 80s, we watched this over and over and over again in college. I loved it. I haven’t seen it all the way through in ages. But, “it’s showtime folks” was how we greeted each other in class
Too true. Apparently it's not on any streaming site. This is why I still have a dvd player, so I can watch this movie (that I've already seen dozens of times).
Just love this opening. It shows all the sweat, defeat, triumph of a real Broadway audition. How tough and nerve racking it is and how many but a few get there.
That piano intro to “On Broadway” is brilliant. It felt like a strong pulsating anxious heartbeat 💗 that the dancers must’ve experienced while auditioning. 👯👯♀️👯👯♀️👯👯♀️👯👯♀️
Really? Those obtrusive closeups? I don't think so. Compare the editing in The Blues Brothers number 'Think' - masterly use of small space. Ditto Robbins' 'I Feel Pretty' in West Side Story. Honestly, the editor here didn't know how to navigate a large space with glaring closeups.
@@muslit Most would consider this a masterpiece and probably groundbreaking for the time - but that's harder to recall as I first saw it as a kid in the 70s when cinema was still interesting. This 5 minutes of film set me on my career path - I am a professional editor and in still in awe of Allen Heim's work here. I "borrow" this edit frequently as the techniques used here still work. Indeed came here tonight because I'm working working on a montage and it always inspires. Blues Bros is a very different kind of movie so I'm not sure transposing that style here would be effective as this open also sets up the style of the movie as a whole. You have to consider what's happening at minute 90 when you think about the open. For me this film is the best kind of cinema as it taps into what's happening in the subconscious - and I think those close ups help open us up to the kind of impressionistic interior experience. ADDING - additionally - this is a scene about characters who are dancers, not a dance performance. We are actually meeting the characters we will be following throughout the film - so close ups are just practically the best way to do that. In think, you already know who the characters are and it's a much more conventional musical scene though also well edited.
@@jgm3465 I'm happy for you, but it doesn't change my mind about the editing here. Having never made a film before, Robbins had a more instinctive feel for camera placement and editing. He shared best director honors with Wise, and it wasn't for his work with actors.
One of the great establishing shots in any movie--there is no doubt who is in charge as the camera pulls out, even though you can't see Joe's face or expression. Just incredible.
This audition process reminds of when I auditioned for Sweet Charity in London. Bob Fosse wasn't there but his assistant did exactly the same when he says 'yes' or 'no' to the dancers in the last line-up. Unfortunately, I didn't get chosen, but saw the show with Juliet Prowse starring in it at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London.
+Alex Poor Did you know that Juliet Prowse was once married to John McCook who next year will celebrate his 30th Anniversary as Eric Forrester on The Soap Opera The Bold & The Beautiful. He is next to Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) the only "Original" Cast Member.
You're welcome. Here's another eerie fact. When "Joe Gideon" brilliantly played by Roy Scheider was putting the dancers through their paces, Bob Fosse was directing "Him".
I only auditioned for "Cats" once in my Midwestern city (and didn't make it), but I would love to go to NY and audition for a Broadway production. It would be worth making a fool of myself again. At least I would be able to say I tried; and to me that would still be an amazing story.
Makes me want to watch the whole movie. Saw it in the theater when it first came out. Big Roy Scheider fan. Saw him in Betrayal on Broadway. He should have won the Oscar for this performance.
Fosse makes his points in the most bald ways, but he never, ever denies any character in his works their humanity. And that is what makes him one of the Great Directors.
Brilliant...finally saw this (LOL 58 yr. old classically trained NY ballerina)crazy beautiful art world...became an RN but appreciate the blood sweat tears of this art form💕👍
...this opening scene totally encapsulates every and all auditions that every dancer has had throughout their dance career!!...such a great piece of cinematic art!!...LOOOOOOOOOOVE!!...
My mother was a huge Bob Fosse fan and we saw this opening weekend. The whole movie on the big screen was just PHENOMENAL, and I was completely captivated with this opening; I remember we absolutely laughed our butts off at the final image while Ethel Merman belted out "There's No Business Like Show Business".
Roy Scheider should have won the academy award for his performance. Dustin Hoffman was very good in Kramer vs Kramer. But he shouldn't have won to Roy S.
Yep. Hoffman should have won for Midnight Cowboy or Lenny first, then for Tootsie. Scheider holds this fearless and flawed movie together, and he is not by any means someone you think of when you think, Broadway choreographer.
@@JeromeGentes Never saw the movie all through, but from what I have seen, the other actor who could have done it would have been another unlikely one: Kirk Douglas.
@jlalewicz What will it be like if the Academy Award for Best Picture is always awarded to the best film of the year in any genre and art form? That would've been better. For example, if Digimon: The Movie was a blockbuster success and won all 11 Oscars including Best Picture, tying with Gladiator, it would really show how the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Science appreciate many different genres of motion pictures, not just Drama.
@@electrasong That's New York........cut and dry. I know someone who went there and auditioned for several months and when she came back she wouldn't ever talk about what happened. It must have been particularly brutal. You have to have a strong stomach for rejection.
Fosse really was like that. He wanted to cast everyone and was genuinely sorry when he had to cut people. He’d give them pointers on how to improve and let them try again even. He was also usually picking out which girls he wanted to sleep with.
Visual magic of transformation of reality into kinesthetic experience through the art of film photography, composition, acting and editing - artistic pleasure and excitement - what film is truly all about as an independent art form with its own specific visual means.
It's showtime folks! If I was forced to watch one movie on an endless loop, I would hope it would be All That Jazz. It just doesn't get better. Thank you Mr Fosse.
I always thought that it was good on Fosse that he showed, basically himself, rejecting a short fairly small male dancer who was likely a lot like himself (or the way that he saw himself) back when he himself was auditioning.
I still love this movie, I grew up with my dad being a jazz musician and playing all kinds of different music with his saxophone, flute, conga drums, since I was a little baby, he had a big record collection and I remember I liked listening to George Benson! I use to dance all over the living room, took modern dancing in school. My dad is 78 and he still plays his saxophone and several instruments and is still so talented and he taught all of us kids musical instruments. I was the dancer in the family, my regret is not pursuing a dance career. I just dance at family weddings or in my house! Lol
“Cattle call” is the perfect term for what performers have to go through to hope for a job. I couldn’t deal with the rejection. My favorite lines are:” F___ him! He never picks me.” “Honey, I DID f___ him. He never picks me either.”
I'm just seeing this comment now but it was actually my mom who said the line "Honey, I DID f-- him and he never picks me either." That made for quite the family story to this day.
Man!! NYC in the 70s must've been awesome!!! I know it had issues then, but the vibe, the electricity, the fascinating people.. wow!! Love to have been there, even though I was just 13 when this came out
The opening of Chorus Line was pretty awesome, especially when all of the hopefuls came together for the combination. I Can Do That was great too. Of course I may be a little based....
See this is what happens when Hollywood producers and directors don't want the input of Broadway directors and choreographers on the movies. The film version of A chorus Line would have been great if They allowed Micheal Bennett to get involved. Now look what happened.
I hadn’t seen this since the film was originally released. I forgot how powerful this was. I’m currently recording the Fosse-Verdon series and will binge watch that later.
God we had amazing actors back then. Such character and depth. And Scheider had so much charisma. Growing up watching him, Hoffman, Hackman, etc, we were so lucky. This film is so amazing, even my grandmother loved it back then. When a movie appeals to any generation, you know it's the real thing.
I love films like this and wish they made some more recently. People are so quick to criticize everything these days and don't seem to appreciate the tremendous amount of work, dedication, and luck (like avoiding injuries) that goes into becoming a world class talent.
He was extremely good to me, I didn’t care how hard he was I miss him every day Love you miss you Bob aka Robert Louis “Bob” Fosse (June 23, 1927 - September 23, 1987) so much, My Birthdays have never been the same
Thank you, I was 8 years old and he took me under his wing and I was always working myself to blood, sweat, He was in much shock as I was, and I would hear Kiddo hurry up Kiddo, turn 18 so you and I can work together, ( he allowed. me in this scene, only like these.) That day came, he called from Washington to say hello, are you ready? I said Bob you know I am, you earned it! Im going to call your mother later surprise her, ok kiddo? She was to receive a call, that was devastating. I heard her scream in tears yelling dear god tell me this is a lie. How am I going to tell her? What I didn't know was she already knew because she was on the other phone, listening when he called, That was the first worst day of my life. I'll always have the man, embedded in my heart and mind. Im so sorry I just saw this :( Missing him @@cecimartinez1777
@@gioiaferrante How amazimg!!!so i take it you have danced for most of your life?? But just a simple fact that you knew this amazing man you worked with him what a blessing!
The 1st time I auditioned for Bob, I made it up to the song. He stopped me after 8 bars and said: “You’re a helluva dancer kid, but you couldn’t carry a tune if it had a handle on it.” As I was packing up, his assistant handed me a note with a phone number that turned out to be for Ann Reinking’s vocal coach. Underneath was scribbled: “Here’s the handle.” I don’t believe in Heaven or Hell. But I do believe in Angels.
Truly great flick, and a fascinating one. The only movie I've ever seen that I would describe as "morbid"...and that's a compliment. Has to be seen to be appreciated.
I think it is funny how everyone saw this movie when we were 12. I was 12 and have loved this movie ever since. Great soundtrack, great dancing and great acting.
I remember seeing the film on TV at college, where myself & another girl were theater majors. The audition scene just enthralled us, but another girl ( not a theater major) was shocked. I think she didn't realize how many people auditioned for so few parts.
I wanted to see this movie as a kid, I loved to dance, and draw...my talent is drawing and paint....this movie made me know the passion of the arts..and no it will not be easy, fun or gain your dreams of stardom...but just to be an artist...with in dance music, painting,sculpture, drawing..etc...it's worth it.knowing ..I still dance
This is my favorite movie of all time. I'd like to make a video on it at some point. I can talk about it for hours. I own the Criterion, I've watched all of the supplements, etc. I'm crazy
I am going to watch this film now! I adore Bob Fosse! Have already seen Cabaret (it's maybe my all-time favourite movie) and Sweet Charity and I kind of want to see Fosse's entire directorial and choreographical oeuvre!
Good for you! Loved "Sweet Charity," "Cabaret" is a masterpiece, with a quite fabulous never-better Minnelli, and "All That Jazz," the work of a troubled genius celebrating his own troubled genius! Unforgettable!
I would think not. He was a dancer himself. He lived and breathed it and so he developed an eye. I worked as a store clerk a few years. You get so you can spot a shoplifter just by the way they move. It is conspicuously different from people who have come to shop. I'm sure the tell tale signs are even more obvious to a professional dancer. The judge at a dog show can pick out best in show in a very brief time. A jockey can spot a winner. Time and experience brings you a knowledge you may not be able to summon on the conscious level, but its operating nonetheless.
George came to one of our summer barbecues. He's a friend of my father's and was in Chicago, so he came by. We lived in an old 6-flat, not fancy at all and had no air conditioning, and it was HOT! We had about 50 people in the flat and on our tiny back porch, lol. When he came over, by pure chance his album was playing, and he wrinkled his nose and asked who that hack was, lol. Just a lovely guy, great energy, and was totally comfortable hanging with a bunch of working stiffs eating barbecue and sweating, lol.
Scheider could not reduced to a cliché by the media. He lacked pretty-boy features. He had the gravitas to carry an otherwise ho-hum crime drama. Even when in the lead role he played it like a character actor, blending into the background as required. Spielberg cast him brilliantly opposite scenery-chewer Robert Shaw in Jaws, and Friedkin did the same in French Connection, where Scheider was a foil for Gene Hackman’s explosive Popeye Doyle character. (Quick! What was Scheider’s character’s name in that movie?) All of the above disqualified him from star status. He was better than that.
I have insight about this. My editor teacher met Alan Heim (the editor of the film) and he said they only told the dancers that they are searching actors for a Bob Fosse musical and there will be a public audition what will be filmed. Who wouldn't want to be in a Fosse musical? :) That's why the scene is 100% authentic, because they didn't know they are participating in a film shooting. The scene was shot in 2 days.
^^ that. I lived with a couple of people who were in the scene. It was shot as a legit audition. Those people danced the same as they would for a Broadway musical.. some of them were Broadway performers, some were off the street, just walked in... just like any other audition would have. It was very, very true to life.
The whole "On Broadway" sequence is "A Chorus Line" in miniature! (In fact, as TV Tropes puts it, it's Bob Fosse claiming he can do "A Chorus Line" better than Michael Bennett.)
Bob Fosse DOES do it better! I've always felt that "A Chorus Line" would have been a better show had Fosse been involved! And as for the Attenborough film! Oh dear. Attenborough was a nice man, but he wasn't a dance director!
Ive been to too many of these cattle call auditions. They get pretty ruthless, cause you only have that one chance to stand out. Not to mention picking up they want to see you pick up the choreography quickly. _"But thats showbiz folks!"_
This was one of the first musical films I've watched, I think I was like 8 or 10 years old then and I just loved it, it's one of my favorites of all times...
