★ 6 / 10
Manageable but problematic if you're a Fosse fan
Rodrigo_Amaro
I'm gonna have to play the devil's advocate here for countless and somewhat obvious reasons. I'm taking into consideration the majority of viewers of this…
I'm gonna have to play the devil's advocate here for countless and somewhat obvious reasons. I'm taking into consideration the majority of viewers of this
documentary are quite experienced in the life and work of Bob Fosse, so I can totally understand people's opposition in endorsing this film. I know plenty of
things as well and even so I enjoyed it even though I did find many objectionable things about it, many annoying things as well, but it wasn't a total disaster.
It's a little enjoyable. However, I'm not judging its merit based on just me, myself and I, so I'm thinking about possible future viewers of this project if
curious in knowing the important legacy of film director, choreographer and dancer Bob Fosse ("Cabaret", "All That Jazz").
Beginners in knowing anything about
him, his craft and talent will find it here a quite informative piece but bear in mind that there's plenty of better things out there, including the miniseries
"Fosse/Verdon". As for Fosse's huge fans this is very erratic, annoying, doesn't have the points of view from people who knew him or even a huge name from show
business or some veteran film critic to talk about his work. Instead, we have a group of unknown talking heads, the majority being British dancers who know
plenty of his choreographies and trademarks, but as for knowing the man they make many assumptions and conjectures about the real Fosse simply because they
watched his autobiographical masterpiece "All That Jazz" countless times.
None of the interviewed folks knew the man, neither worked with him and they're only
famous in their own circle, largely unknown to most audiences, and worst: almost nothing they share is interesting of hearing. I prefer the narrator showing
Fosse's career evolution rather than listening to dancers talking about style then rehearsing dance moves as the man created. I was bored during those moments, and
felt more hurt when one of the critics trashed "Star 80" - Fosse's final film and a very dark story unlike any of his colorful works. This documentary is
supposed to be a celebration of Fosse's work, so he should keep those negative thoughts to himself. I'm also critical of those people in being critical of Rob
Marshall's "Chicago", originated from Bob's Broadway play and firmly believing that had Fosse directed he would make a far superior work. Perhaps, but let's not
forget that many original authors when translating their works to different versions of arts can also destroy their creation and not make a better work.
Anyway, for a summary style of documentary this was manageable and quite enjoyable, specially seeing the clips from his choreographies and movies. But we all
missed some interviews with him and the people who knew the man in detail. I won't recommend it to his fans, but I can suggest to new admirers because you'll learn
a little about Fosse's importance in show business. 6/10.
★ 4 / 10
Fosse deserved better
movieman-227
Having recently read the massive Bob Fosse biography, I was really looking forward to this doc. But it's disappointingly shallow and lacks the depth/breadth…
Having recently read the massive Bob Fosse biography, I was really looking forward to this doc.
But it's disappointingly shallow and lacks the depth/breadth Fosse deserves. Also unfortunate is that the talking heads commenting on Fosse's life and career are Brits, most of whom are unknown to American audiences.
I wish somebody else had made the film.
5.8/10
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