all that jazz/brick
ALL THAT JAZZ (dir. Bob Fosse, 1979):
The recurring thought I had during this movie was: Sam Mendes really really likes Bob Fosse.
Besides that, it's just as good as the first time I saw it. It follows the pattern in this sort of self-reflexive movie, where it's ambition matches the running time. Not as bothersome as it could have been. There's just a couple of minutes between all the musical numbers that feels excessive. Fosse's pushing it to 11, when 10 would be perfect. But he's still not far off. However, within the framework of the film (a story about excess), I suppose 11 is where you want to be. I also noticed (this time more than last), how Fosse's musicals are the Eisentsteins to the Astaire-Rogers' Bazins. Fosse makes the editing a part of the choreography, and really does it fantastically. Astaire-Rogers movies were all about the long-shot/long-take, and work equally well. Different styles suited for different materials. And as much as I love Fred and Ginger, they're 10 to Fosse's 11.
Final Grade: A-
BRICK (dir. Rian Johnson, 2006):
Not as slick as I remembered. But still good. The dialogue isn't as much fun when you know exactly what they're saying. It helps the mystery on the first viewing, but it starts to feel a hair gimmicky after that. The first experience was definitely the best, but the repeat viewings have made me wonder if this will be as impressive. Maybe it's one of those once-every-ten-years movies. I still like it, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is great. The premise is great. There's a lot of good things. It just, isn't holding up like I hoped it would.
Final Grade: B
The recurring thought I had during this movie was: Sam Mendes really really likes Bob Fosse.
Besides that, it's just as good as the first time I saw it. It follows the pattern in this sort of self-reflexive movie, where it's ambition matches the running time. Not as bothersome as it could have been. There's just a couple of minutes between all the musical numbers that feels excessive. Fosse's pushing it to 11, when 10 would be perfect. But he's still not far off. However, within the framework of the film (a story about excess), I suppose 11 is where you want to be. I also noticed (this time more than last), how Fosse's musicals are the Eisentsteins to the Astaire-Rogers' Bazins. Fosse makes the editing a part of the choreography, and really does it fantastically. Astaire-Rogers movies were all about the long-shot/long-take, and work equally well. Different styles suited for different materials. And as much as I love Fred and Ginger, they're 10 to Fosse's 11.
Final Grade: A-
BRICK (dir. Rian Johnson, 2006):
Not as slick as I remembered. But still good. The dialogue isn't as much fun when you know exactly what they're saying. It helps the mystery on the first viewing, but it starts to feel a hair gimmicky after that. The first experience was definitely the best, but the repeat viewings have made me wonder if this will be as impressive. Maybe it's one of those once-every-ten-years movies. I still like it, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is great. The premise is great. There's a lot of good things. It just, isn't holding up like I hoped it would.
Final Grade: B
posted by js munoz at
12:53 AM
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