The Fabulous Baker Boys
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Movie Reviews of The Fabulous Baker Boys
Movie Review: A film that truly lives up to its name...
Summary: 5 Stars
If ever there was a movie title that really `said it all' then it would have to be `The Fabulous Baker Boys' because, while Michele Pfeiffer is utterly stunning in her portrayal of lounge singer Susie Diamond, it is the Bridges brothers (who happen to play the Baker brothers) who really prove themselves `fabulous' in this film. I am a longstanding fan of Jeff Bridges, an actor who is solid in everything he does, but it wasn't until this wonderful film that I was drawn to the splendor that is Jeff's real-life brother Beau who, in all honesty, became the highlight for me here. Truly though, all three actors draw off one another beautifully to help create a fabulous movie experience.
Some have noted that the plot is thin, and while that may be the case it truly doesn't matter. A story, when told right, doesn't need to be bogged down with heavy subplots and meaning. A simple, clean and refreshing story such as this can be just as rewarding, especially when handled as delicately and as efficiently as it is here.
The title of the film refers to the dueling piano act of Frank and Jack Baker. Frank is the older more stable brother. He has a wife and two kids, a home and a mind for management. He plans their gigs, sets their schedules, decides their song numbers, obsesses over their appearance. He is all about making the money, and he knows what to do in order to make that happen. Jack is the younger yet more talented brother. He drifts from woman to woman, all the while avoiding any real commitment. He doesn't really care about the money aspect of things, as can be seen by his crumby living conditions. He doesn't care to fix his hair before a gig and has no quarrels with smoking on stage. He's calm, collected and always seemingly amused, yet there is enough going on under the surface to convince the audience that that is not entirely the case.
Trouble is lurking around the corner for these boys though. Their act is getting stale and so to liven things up (and fill a few more seats) they decide to take on a singer.
Enter Susie Diamond. Susie is not the type of girl the boys expected (she's a bit rough around the edges) but her talent is undeniable, and her charm shines through the cracks in her rough exterior. Things are looking up for the boys, but as can be expected, there will be there fair share of bumps along the way.
Like I said; a simple story. Sure, the film does touch upon staying true to ones self and not compromising ones dreams for the sake of others (case in point being Jack's continuing to play alongside his brother when he finds it humiliating and ultimately wishes he could pursue something more self gratifying) but in the end the film is merely a beautifully entertaining ride.
The film is elevated by three superb performances. Michele Pfeiffer has been singled out (she being the only one to receive an Oscar nomination) and her performance is definitely worthy of singling out. As Susie she exudes this edgy sensuality that permeates the screen whenever she's on it. Her initial audition scene alone is a perfect example of an actress who acts from her fingertips down to her toes. She is so on point, so magnificent, able to allow the audience to take down her character like fine whiskey; she goes down smooth but leaves a burn.
But this movie belongs to the boys; the Bridges boys that is. Their performances are utterly unavoidable here. Jeff is seriously one of our finest working actors, always nestled beautifully into his character. He has proven time and time again to be consistent and reliable and a stable centerpiece to each and every one of his films. Here is no exception. As Jack he displays such commanding presence without demanding it from us. He is always calm and collected, even when agitated and pushed to his limits. His voice is barely ever raised above a considerate speaking tone and this adds weight to his character, a repressed and passive brother to Beau's Frank who is most definitely the dominant force in the brothers partnership. Beau delivers what may be my favorite performance in the film. Frank is sporadic and all over the place one minute then completely grounded and confident the next. He plays a part, a part that he is comfortable with because it allows him to live a comfortable life, but unlike Jack, Frank has allowed this part to define him. When Jack calls him out on it towards the end of the film you can see the disbelief in Frank's eyes and the instinctual response of justification.
Brilliant.
In the end I highly recommend this delightful film. I love it when actors really clench down on a role and let it run through them as if it were their life sustaining blood. All three of these actors do just that, and the result is nothing short of `fabulous'.
Movie Review: "Frank, If Someone Requested 'Chopsticks,' You'd Ask For the Sheet Music".
Summary: 5 Stars
Many years ago, a big screen, theatrical viewing of Woody Allen's Gershwin inspired film, "Manhattan" started me on a love affair with what is known as the 'Great American Songbook'. So for years, I've been listening to everyone from Ella to Billie Holiday to Diana Krall and Jane Monheit. For some reason, I've always had a special affinity for what is known as 'the girl singer'. I love the sound and image of those classic songs being crooned by a torch singer at 2am in some smokey dive.Thats' why I was delighted to run across "The Fabulous Baker Boys", while channel surfing on cable recently. How, I never got a chance to see this film before is beyond me.
The plot is an update of that classic old movie formula of the two partners, who lets the girl come between them. The title of the film refers to a cocktail music act, featuring two brothers, who play piano side by side. Frank Baker (Beau Bridges) is balding, short, pudgey and talkative. He's rather conservative, but will do almost anything to keep the act going and get paid, so he can support his family and suburban lifestyle. His brother, Jack Baker (Jeff Bridges) is the total opposite. Jack is tall, handsome and silent with a perpetual cigerette dangling from his mouth. He's a stoic, urban loner, who seems as tough as nails.
The Baker Boys act of patter and standards seems to have gone stale long ago. They play to dingy, half-empty rooms and even those jobs are starting to dry up. Frank decides to liven things up by hiring a 'girl singer'. Into the brother's lives walks Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer). She's all sex appeal with dangly earrings, high heeled stilletos and low cut dresses. To back it up, this dangerously cool lady has one heck of a voice. The gambit pays off and the brothers once again start seeing some success. But from the beginning, its' obvious, that there is a smoldering, sensual connection between Susie and the stoic, Jack. This causes friction between the two brothers and age old arguments, rivalries and ambitions come to an emotional head threatening the partnership.
This really is a wonderful movie featuring a well constructed script and delightful performances from all three of the film's leads. I think it really helps, that the Baker brothers are played by the real life Bridges brothers. You can definitely feel that family vibe between the two men as they express in their characters a love-hate relationship, that can never be broken. This is the film, that made Michelle Pfieffer a true box office star. She really does seem to shine in every scene she's in. The scene, where she rolls around on a grand piano, while singing "Makin' Whoopie" is a classic, that has to count among the sexiest moments in all of cinema.
Finally, mention should be made of the wonderful music in this film. There are lots of standards including "My Funny Valentine", "Lullaby of Birdland", "Moonglow", ETC. In addition to that, Jazz artist, Dave Grusin has composed an amazing score, that contributes to the emotional mood of the film and keeps your toes a tappin'.
This is one of those films with a good story, great performances and wonderful music. What more could you ask for? Highly recommended!
Movie Review: Inspired cast! Terrific show!
Summary: 5 Stars
I didn't bother to see this when it came out. All I heard about it was that Michelle Pfeiffer sang on a piano and that wasn't enough to draw me into the theater. But...wow! This is a much under-rated film. Three really good actors who never have received the acclaim they deserve: the Bridges and Pfeiffer---together here, with an intelligent script and careful direction, and the magic happens.
Michelle Pfeiffer is so beautiful that I think people don't realize what a good actress she is. She is very funny and real as the ex-escort girl who dresses like she's going to a Halloween party till they fix her up. It's a role that could have easily descended into a cliche--the tough, gum-chewing, lower class chick---but Pfeiffer plays her as a real person and she emerges as a strong, smart woman whose character shocks everyone else into action. She keeps her sort of klutzy vulnerability too, even after their "success" which makes her very appealing. Yes, she is unforgettable on top of that Steinway and she truly deserves a spot in the Hollywood Hall of Fame for that but there is a lot more to her performance than that.
Jeff Bridges is equally as charming and heart-throbbing (something for the ladies) and they make worthy adversaries/lovers. The tension that builds up between them is maddening--The scenes in the hotel where they almost get together but don't quite--are so life-like that anyone who has lived through such ordeals will have to laugh. You want to scream at the screen "Get together, already!" No wonder they both smoke so much.
Beau, the not-quite-as hunky brother is perfect in his role, too. He plays Frank, the responsible one, who books the act, makes sure everyone's on time and sprays black paint to cover the bald spot on the back of his head. Jack (Jeff) is the cool one, the naturally brilliant musician, who despises their gigs in chain hotel lounges, but doesn't have the courage to break out on his own. Just as their long-term career is careening towards the pit, Susie Diamond (Pfeiffer) enters the picture and the dynamics shift. She is a force to be reckoned with and something has got to give.
As familiar as I was with the actors, I fogot who they were almost immediately. I suspect that the fact that these two talented Bridges brothers played the Baker brothers has a lot to do with the success of the film. I have to wonder how much of their actual personalities informed the performances.
The whole thing flows seamlessly. We get the points but we're not hit over the head with them. The ending is just-right, too! Overall, a terrific film.
Movie Review: A Minor Masterpiece - and maybe even a Major one
Summary: 5 Stars
This was part of what may be the last great era of American films, the late 1980's when great, warm, human, tough films such as "Bull Durham," "Say Anything," "Field of Dreams" were released and there was a feeling of optimism in the country. "The Fabulous Baker Boys" is a minor masterpiece of that time - and unjustly neglected. Leonard Maltin gives it two and a half stars in his always uneven (and unreliable) movie review books. The film, without a doubt, deserves three and a half stars - at least. Michelle Phieffer has never been better - and her performance is superb here: sexy, sweet, tough, knowing, graceful. She sings with real emotion and style - you wonder why she never did some kind of tour. The Bridges, Jeff and Beau, are so much in sync here, playing off each other as if they've been acting together forever, that you realize you are viewing not only a tremendously entertaining film, which it is, but also a moving and bittersweet film about finding your true voice - and your true life. Jeff Bridges has always been underrated. He's just regularly great in everything, so I guess no one notices how fine an actor he really is. Beau, too, so superb in "Norma Rae", could not be more different here. And Michelle is one of the most beautiful actresses in the history of cinema. Is there anyone quite like her today? Most of the actresses we now admire tend to be British. They are better actors too. BUY this DVD, don't rent it. It's worth adding to your permanent collection. The writing is great, the performances are great, the music is great, and the ending is perfect. This is one of the finest films in American film history - a minor masterpiece. And maybe just a little better than that.Movie Review: Torch singer makes a torch movie
Summary: 5 Stars
You know what makes a good torch singer: a slow smooth sound, sexy, rivets your attention, looks great, delivers drama without the tension. All the same descriptions apply to this entire movie.
Michelle Pheiffer plays a former escort who decides to get into the singing business, and accidentally saves the careers of a lounge piano act, played solidly by Jeff and Beau Bridges. Michelle's singing is a surprising delight in the movie ... her every song a turn on. The story follows a crucial time of growth in the lives of all three main characters, as the brothers seek, in a consummately professional way, to calmly avoid sinking into performance irrelevance, and experience a new popularity which exceeds anything they've experienced before.
There is no high drama, just a very interesting character study punctuated with some witty dialog and sewn together with the fabric of Michelle's vocals. Its a mature film. Those who have experienced some ups and downs in life and career may feel it more deeply than a younger audience without such life experiences. These are people who have seen good times and rough times ... enough rough times to expect more and be surprised if things turn out better. Even the romance is jaded, and the arguments are sometimes funny just for their triviality.
Its a film that comes across as if it was a fine play ... the kind you have to admit to your wife afterward that you're glad she dragged you along to see.
Highly recommended.