Bob Fosse was a damn genius. This opening sequence is brilliant and captivating and absolute perfection. I haven't seen the entire movie in about 30 years and I'm drawn right back into it.
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.
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.
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.
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.“
@@reginaldforthright805Your comment says all there is to say about you and ur film knowledge and appreciation. I bet u’ve seen each “Porky’s” a gazillion times.
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
This reminds me of the first time I met my wife. I was the Stage Manager for Danny La Rue and there was an open audition for just 6 female dancers, held at the Prince Of Wales Theatre in London in 1980. At least 200 turned up so the choreographer asked them to walk across the stage as there were too many to dance but he could tell who had been trained. Once he had pared the numbers down to about 100, he was able to ask everyone to learn a routine and then he eliminated them one by one. My wife was one of the lucky six and we've been married for nearly 35 years. This clip is our daughter's favourite.
My college room mate and I watched this over and over and over. You can find flaws in films or se things that could or should have been done differently and this film is perfect.
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.
Well put, especially compared to nowadays when kids grow up with the philosophy of 'everybody's a winner.' No wonder suicide rates are up as they never learnt to face disappointment and failure in their childhood so the first obstacle sets them off spinning over the edge.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
...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!!...
“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.
After all the years Ive seen this great film, I never noticed @1:56 that Roy does the left arm flex thing, something people complain about prior to heart attacks is numbness in the left arm. It's so casual I totally missed it. Roy was robbed for the oscar.
Perfect opening! It promises everything in the film: talent, intelligence, effort, competence, dedication, tiredness, weakness, fear, pain and more talent, a lot of talent, immense talent!!!
That piano intro to “On Broadway” is brilliant. It felt like a strong pulsating anxious heartbeat 💗 that the dancers must’ve experienced while auditioning. 👯👯♀️👯👯♀️👯👯♀️👯👯♀️
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💕👍
Thank you for releasing this, sincerely. A truly fantastic addition to the collection. What an opening.. middle.. and that ending! Fosse, you genius. You've gifted us quite the cinematic gem. Palme d'Or was more than deserved.
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".
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
Great intro - you get so much packaged into a short sequence. You learn about Fosse, his life, his work, his foibles, and the business as well and how the dancers dream of making the grade and just how much they put into it.
Convinced by a friend from school to see this 'the greatest film ever made' in his words and hated it or really, didn't understand it. Now aged 54 I might just agree with him, there is definitely more than meets the eye.
Age 17, went to this movie with a date (one of the few dates of my high school years - coincidence? I think not) Neither of us really got it. We just didn't have enough life experience. Now of course I think it's one of the great movies about show buisness, and life well (or maybe not so well) lived. Just a great movie.
I was a little girl, but my dad thought it was a good idea to bring me to see "Cabaret" . He knew I would get the movie and most of all the love of dance that was in me. I feel in love, unknowingly, with Bob Fosse then. His style lives in me as does many other people he never knew. But we are blessed to have been touched by it. RIP BF
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.
Saw this for the first time at a drive in with my girl friend (now wife.) Didn't recall the later half of the movie, but seeing it later it really is one of Fosse's masterpieces.
@@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.
@@ralphadamo1857 Actually it has nothing to do with Netflix. It isn't available on ANY streaming service. In fact I don't see it available to even buy on a streaming service at all. From what I read the only way to watch this movie is to buy the DVD. Why they haven't digitized it is beyond me when in this day and age even dvds are starting to get phased out. Don't blame your bias on Netflix. They cannot buy the rights to stream a movie that isn't digitized. Blame whoever holds the rights to that movie (probably his daughter).
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.
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 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.
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
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie! It has the best opening dance sequence of any movie to date! I saw this movie when it first came out in theatres. Bought the vinyl soundtrack as soon as I found it. Had the movie on VHS when it came out. I now have it on DVD. Roy Scheider should have won an Oscar for his performance. This movie SHOULD have won Best Picture! It is an amazing movie.
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.
This opening sequence makes so much more sense after seeing the movie. I am no where close to geing a dancer. In fact, when I dance people call 911 because they think I am having a seizure.
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.
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.
This magnificent intro exemplifies three things: 1- The eternal lust for life and fame of the youth in all times, 2 - The selection of the very best or fit in an open contest, and 3 - The brilliant film that is to come soon, with the savvy use of images, acting and music.
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 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.
Bob Fosse was a damn genius. This opening sequence is brilliant and captivating and absolute perfection. I haven't seen the entire movie in about 30 years and I'm drawn right back into it.
It was my first rated R movie. I was 12.
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.
Sorcerer?
Also dropped out of Deer Hunter which is crazy.
Preach!
@@paulnistor3547 I was about to say that one. My favorite Friedkin movie.
@Randy White and Sorcerer, of course
This film premiered in 1979. It holds up very well more than forty years later. The opening scene is one of the best in film history.
Scheider plays supporting actor to Fosse’s choreography.
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.
It’s the best opening in film history
Yes. And the closing scene is even better.
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.
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.
show, don't tell.
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.
Franco you are so right this truly is master class filmmaking this is always been one of my favorite openings to a movie.
The best movie about John McAfee.
One Of The Greatest Opening Scenes Of Any Movie.
Bob Fosse understood the hook.
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!
O tempo passa e aí você descobre, olhando o que se produz atualmente que você estava diante de um grande filme.
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.“
Congratulations on wasting your evening. Should have watched rocky horror instead.
@@reginaldforthright805Your comment says all there is to say about you and ur film knowledge and appreciation. I bet u’ve seen each “Porky’s” a gazillion times.
It was nominated for best picture and win the Palme D’or award
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
I remember watching it a lot as a kid, even though I didn't really understand a lot of it.
Me, too! 'cept I was 13 or so. Taped it off HBO using my dad's top loader VCR. Changed my life, too.
This reminds me of the first time I met my wife. I was the Stage Manager for Danny La Rue and there was an open audition for just 6 female dancers, held at the Prince Of Wales Theatre in London in 1980. At least 200 turned up so the choreographer asked them to walk across the stage as there were too many to dance but he could tell who had been trained. Once he had pared the numbers down to about 100, he was able to ask everyone to learn a routine and then he eliminated them one by one.
My wife was one of the lucky six and we've been married for nearly 35 years. This clip is our daughter's favourite.
Such a great story, thanks for sharing 🙋
Fun story. One of my favorite movies.
Congratulations that is awesome 💐💛
Interesting story!!!
Αwww that's so sweet!
My college room mate and I watched this over and over and over. You can find flaws in films or se things that could or should have been done differently and this film is perfect.
Fosse was really a master filmmaker. This is such an incredible sequence. I see why Criterion wanted to reissue this film.
It is all about Dance. The love of it. The appreciation of dance. Expression and talent. Brilliant and true to his soul. Priceless.....
This opening scene is almost all dancing, very little talking. I love this movie.
I grew up in theatre in New York and this film always brings me back. One of my favorite films of all time.
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.
It’s hard to beat this kind of editing - and what a WOW start to a one of a kind musical.
By far my favorite scene in the whole movie. The mental toughness you have to cultivate to face all that rejection.
Face receiving it or face giving it?
Well said. College instruictors coached us - fight your way to the front line, smile and dance your ass off!
I think every damn second of this entire movie is pure magic.
Well put, especially compared to nowadays when kids grow up with the philosophy of 'everybody's a winner.' No wonder suicide rates are up as they never learnt to face disappointment and failure in their childhood so the first obstacle sets them off spinning over the edge.
@@MsDonttrythisathome both.
"It's showtime, folks!"
A bloody fantastic movie.
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.
This film is unbearably good. Every. Single. Frame. ✨
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).
Yes and it's aged better than I expected. Leland Palmer is excellent. I can't understand why she isn't more well known.
Feel it's better everytime I watch it.. since it was in cinemas
So Right! 🙂!
@@anasan00 So true! I'm mesmerized every time I watch this.
This movie is one of the most brilliant ones I've seen, and watching Roy Scheider's superlative performance was really something else..
Rohit Nagarkatti agree
With Scheider and Fosse both gone, the lights are dimmer!
Def he was great , they all were , it's a great film
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.
amazing how underrated is Bob Fosse as a director...
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.
+laminage Hi Thanks for the update. I don't watch The Bold & The Beautiful, but thanks for pointing out the info about Eric.
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.
DO IT! It's all about timing. Been there.
This is the most unique and iconic opening scene EVER!!!!
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 5-min sequence is a masterclass in how to open a movie--brilliant!
After all these freakn' years, seeing this opening still makes my heart soar. Damn. What a great movie.
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.
One of the greatest opening scenes in film history.
This fucking edit is poetry on film...
exactly
Is a "fucking" edit better than a normal edit? You spoiled a great sentence with that word.
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.
...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!!...
“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.”
When did they say that
My favorite line: "That's how you get a job".
@@joebarr725 And "That's how you get an oscar"
This had to have been an 'Open Cattle Call' when you see some of the lackluster 'talent' there!
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.
After all the years Ive seen this great film, I never noticed @1:56 that Roy does the left arm flex thing, something people complain about prior to heart attacks is numbness in the left arm. It's so casual I totally missed it. Roy was robbed for the oscar.
Everybody buy this from Criterion and listen to the editor's comments. So much insight.
Once upon a time, editing was a true art form and the best editors had as much influence on a film as the director.
Perfect opening! It promises everything in the film: talent, intelligence, effort, competence, dedication, tiredness, weakness, fear, pain and more talent, a lot of talent, immense talent!!!
That piano intro to “On Broadway” is brilliant. It felt like a strong pulsating anxious heartbeat 💗 that the dancers must’ve experienced while auditioning.
👯👯♀️👯👯♀️👯👯♀️👯👯♀️
I guess it fits the whole heartbeat❤️ and heart theme in the movie 🎥 🍿
YEAH.... ON THE TOES....MAY BE...
The edit of the dancers spinning takes your breath away..!!
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💕👍
There won't be another Bob Fosse. Never
Such genius. The grueling tension, the dancing, it's astonishing.
Thank you for releasing this, sincerely. A truly fantastic addition to the collection. What an opening.. middle.. and that ending! Fosse, you genius. You've gifted us quite the cinematic gem. Palme d'Or was more than deserved.
This opening is a master class in music integration, editing and exposition all in one beautiful ball of dough! Breathtaking!
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".
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
what a cool dad!
Great intro - you get so much packaged into a short sequence. You learn about Fosse, his life, his work, his foibles, and the business as well and how the dancers dream of making the grade and just how much they put into it.
Convinced by a friend from school to see this 'the greatest film ever made' in his words and hated it or really, didn't understand it. Now aged 54 I might just agree with him, there is definitely more than meets the eye.
Age 17, went to this movie with a date (one of the few dates of my high school years - coincidence? I think not) Neither of us really got it. We just didn't have enough life experience. Now of course I think it's one of the great movies about show buisness, and life well (or maybe not so well) lived. Just a great movie.
This movie is truly one of the greats.
The costumes and the surreal scenes of he and the angel Jessica Lange, Ben Vareen awesome!
I was a little girl, but my dad thought it was a good idea to bring me to see "Cabaret" . He knew I would get the movie and most of all the love of dance that was in me. I feel in love, unknowingly, with Bob Fosse then. His style lives in me as does many other people he never knew. But we are blessed to have been touched by it. RIP BF
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.
I want so very much to say that I couldn't have said that any better but the truth is that I couldn't have said it at all!
Bravo!!
well put
Beautifully stated
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.
one of the best openings !!!
***** The best, simply.
One of the great all time openings to a movie. The editing on this scene is brilliant!
The final death scene performed as a musical act was really great - perfect movie!!
this is maybe the best opening sequence ever - so perfectly energising - Apocalypse now is also pretty good but this is masterful
The way staged and unstaged cuts are interweaved is masterful
I haven't seen All That Jazz in many years. It's still amazing.
One of the best movies ever.
Saw this for the first time at a drive in with my girl friend (now wife.) Didn't recall the later half of the movie, but seeing it later it really is one of Fosse's masterpieces.
One of the BEST dance movies ever.......what a genius he was! And great dancers, storyline...........CLASSIC/RADICAL. cheers
Dr. Elizabeth Martin Agreed , I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this movie.
Fosse!
One of my top 3 movies all time. Watch it every year. Music, acting, themes. Just a great film
I like how he treated all the rejects with kindness and respect.
Comedian?
Hey... That's showbiz!!!
@@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.
@@electrasong that's not showbiz. they're usually mean. THANK YOU NEXT. this guy was nice.
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.
Ugh. UGH. the cinematography and the use of music in this opening scene is just out of this world
The spellbinding musical numbers play second fiddle to the spectacular focus Fosse gave into the mind of a theatre and film savant.
Fosse's editing never stops to fascinate me. Roll over, Eisenstein
Why oh WHY is this masterpiece not on Netflix?
The only way to watch it these days is to buy the DVD or Blu-ray
Because Netflix sux.
@@ralphadamo1857 Actually it has nothing to do with Netflix. It isn't available on ANY streaming service. In fact I don't see it available to even buy on a streaming service at all. From what I read the only way to watch this movie is to buy the DVD. Why they haven't digitized it is beyond me when in this day and age even dvds are starting to get phased out. Don't blame your bias on Netflix. They cannot buy the rights to stream a movie that isn't digitized. Blame whoever holds the rights to that movie (probably his daughter).
@@donnalynn2 What you say may be true, but that does not change the fact that Netflix sux.
@@donnalynn2 Its on pluto tv which is free. At least in the states.
I have seen this opening scene probably twenty times. It always gives me goose pimples. So, so very great.
RIP Roy Scheider. Truly one of the greats.
One of the greatest opening scenes in American Cinema
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.
Hoffman for 'Lenny' would have been yet another nod to Fosse!
@@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.
Indeed. Tough call, but this was such a compelling role. This film is one of my all time favorites, period, and his performance was fascinating.
@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.
My best 1980 movie. Once in a while, I show it to friends who never saw it. Their reaction? "You saw and liked that movie at 17?"
Wow.. as a kid..this was my reason for living!!
That he shakes their hand and looks them in the eye when they're cut is a very nice touch
I love this movie, it's purely amazing in terms of art house and fantasy. It is one of the most unique films that I have ever seen.
Fosse + Roy Scheider + George Benson = Epic Combo
La isupel
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.
Beautifully said. I am always very touched by that moment and think it is very personal to Fosse.
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.
OMG, Did not see this masterpiece of a scene, and à movie since it came out ! What an incredible analysis of musicals, and auditions !
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
Yeah, I need to watch this movie right now.
me too !
It's fantastic!
I've always been interested in Fosse and this movie. I love Roy Scheider. All right, I'm off to buy this movie on Amazon.
@Randy White Watching it right now.
Every audition I've ever been on, especially "A Chorus Line"! I love a movie that get's all the details right. #FosseGenius
There's a clip on YT that includes Fosse talking about the creation of this scene and why it looks so realistic. You might like it
@@MsDonttrythisathome Is this it?
ua-cam.com/video/SUxvqC2nIbI/v-deo.html
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie! It has the best opening dance sequence of any movie to date! I saw this movie when it first came out in theatres. Bought the vinyl soundtrack as soon as I found it. Had the movie on VHS when it came out. I now have it on DVD. Roy Scheider should have won an Oscar for his performance. This movie SHOULD have won Best Picture! It is an amazing movie.
4:49
My friend Danny R. He was supposed to have a bigger part but he died in a car crash while this film was still in production. RIP Danny.
Lane Change - How sad :(
oh Danny Ruvolo? Tragic
This was his greatest roll as Fosse! I remember watching this in a theater with a friend!
LOVE Bob Fosse choreography !!
I can't stop thinking about this movie since ive seen it.
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.
This opening sequence makes so much more sense after seeing the movie. I am no where close to geing a dancer. In fact, when I dance people call 911 because they think I am having a seizure.
great movie,great actors (especially roy scheider and jessica lange )and of course !the master george benson!
You forgot to mention Ann Reinking who (of course) played herself in this flick
Marc Roig Cebria
Df
YESSS ann reinking
Jessica Lange won the Oscar for best supporting actress for this film
Never gets old ….. it’s showtime folks
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.
My favorite movie when i was it at 16 and still my favorite 40 years later. Pure genius.
Lol I saw it when I was 11 in the theater
In the opening of "All That Jazz", it is the prefix of opening to "Bom Dia Brasil" displeyed of Rede Globo Television since 1983.
this sequence is better than the whole film version of A CHROUS LINE!
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....
Dude the ACL film is asshole. It's not hard to beat that
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 agree sooo much!!!!!!
You got that right.
This magnificent intro exemplifies three things: 1- The eternal lust for life and fame of the youth in all times, 2 - The selection of the very best or fit in an open contest, and 3 - The brilliant film that is to come soon, with the savvy use of images, acting and music.
Amazing opening!!!! Bob Fosse was the best.
This film is so beautiful and exquisitely made that I can't just watch a snippet - I fall in completely and have to watch the whole thing
One of the best bio-pics and musicals ever produced 🎉
One of the greatest films ever made.
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 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.