Stream it now Cabaret Reset Status Want to Watch Already Watched Don't Want to Watch

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I didnt like it. the story bored me and it was too slow. Also, liza just pissed me off. the only parts that i did enjoy about this movie were when their were musical numbers in the Kit Kat Club. Sorry, mr. fosse.

(DVD) (First Viewing, 1st Fosse film)

My first reaction was one of dissapointment. Sure, it's big, and loud, and very, very subversive, but I couldn't help but think that it was little more than wild decadence for decadence sake. But upon a little reflection more of the substance is starting to emerge from the barrage of color and sound.

There's three main forces at work in this film: Liza Minnelli, Joel Gray and Bob Fosse. Liza Minnelli emerged from the shadow of her parents Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli and won an Oscar (and remains the only Oscar-winning child of two Oscar-winning parents) by creating Sally Bowles, a talented nightclub singer who acts as if she owns the world and deserves all of it. She's a larger-than-life character, and one can almost imagine that she's Auntie Mame as a young woman. She's a character dripping with mannerisms, but Minnelli is able to submerge herself in the character (though Minnelli admits it was a role very similar to life), breathing life into what could have been a very eccentric but rather shallow and unsympathetic character. She's like a giggly schoolgirl masquerading as a woman of the world, hiding beneath her massive eyelashes and heavy makeup. But don't underestimate her- Sally is a smarter, tougher girl than she may let on. It's a terrific role and an ever better performance- Minnelli had her big shot and she knocks you off your feet.

One can't say much about Joel Gray's performance, as this is his defining role, and the performance he'll forever be remembered for. He's larger than life, the subversive leader of of the endlessly perverse proceedings at the Kit Kat Klub. Turning his grotesque grinning face towards a world rapidly falling apart, he seems to delight in the problems swallowing the people and places around him.

And then there's the singular vision of Bob Fosse to be dazzled by. His talent for staging dances and set-pieces are undeniable, as the screen seems to burst with color and energy. Minnelli's first big number, "Mein Herr," played suggestively on a chair surrounded by transvestite performers is probably the most iconic scene in the film, and it's a knock-out (you can see where the overrated Chicago got its inspiration, and seeing it done well in Cabaret only makes you appreciate it more). I was also quite fascinated with the interweaving of musical numbers with major scenes in the film- it further blurs the line between the fact and the theatre.

I wouldn't consider Cabaret one of my favorite musicals, but I can see why it's considered one of the best. Another viewing would probably increase my appreciation for the film, as it seems to be too much to fully comprehend in one viewing.

Best in Show: Liza Minnelli
One for the future: n/a
Stand-out scene: 'Cabaret' the performance
Brainer or no-brainer: Brainer
Stands up to one viewing or repeated?: Repeated
DVD commentary any good?: n/a

TV
One of those films I've wanted to see for a while but never got round to watching. I'd enjoyed Jennifer Saunders' pastiche of 'Mein Herr' during a French & Saunders sketch from yonks ago (and didn't realise how faithful it was to the original) and of course was also familiar with 'Money' and 'Cabaret' itself. I think the first Minnelli film I saw was Stepping Out (Julie Walters is a goddess), which is fairly ironic. I'm partial to a good musical, Grease probably being my favourite with Strictly Ballroom a close second, so went into this with high hopes, especially as it had won 8 Oscars and a slew of other prestigious Awards. Set in the formative years of the 30s, Germany is in a period of uneasiness under the Weimar Republic with the Nazi Party on the rise. The characters' naivity at the agenda of the Nazis forms a constant backdrop to the film's developments, the Nazis here regarded less as a force to take over the whole country but more as prime material for stage parody. Liza Minnelli is Sally Bowles a jobbing American who dreams of stage stardom. She meets new-in-town posh Brit academic Brian (Michael York) and starting off as friends they become lovers, and eventually both become lovers of minted Maximilian. More earthy and upfront than I was expecting, this is no soft-soaped effort. In the role she was born to play Liza Minnelli is breathtaking.

Comments pending.

Liza Minneli deserved her Oscar in an otherwise overrated movie.

ayyyyieeeeee.

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Released in 1972 cabaret still stands as a film that can be viewed as the beginning of the great films of the 70's and one of the last great musicals (until recently). Winner of 8 Academy awards including Best Actress (Liza of course), Best director (Bob fosse), Supporting Actor (Joel Grey). It would probably would have won for Best Picture if it had not been for The Godfather. Fantastic dark musical details a cabaret, The Kit-Kat, in 1931 Berlin in the beginnings of the rise of the Nazi and the sad characters involved therein. If not the best musical ever it would rank in the top 3 and IMO is the best. Liza never had another role that showcases her tremendous talents quite like this. BRAVO Liza with a Z.

Everything came together so perfectly in this movie, the cast, screenplay, direction, music, art direction and cinematography. It's a brilliant film, and one of the best musicals ever made. The choreography is incredible, the production is outstanding, the costumes are so creative. It's a one of a kind film, Bob Fosse's vision amazes me.