Tags
1960's, Barbra Streisand, Drama, Funny Girl, Kay Medford, Musical, Omar Sharif, Walter Pidgeon, William Wyler
Film Title
Funny Girl
Director
William Wyler
Starring
- Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice
- Omar Sharif as Nick Arnstein
- Kay Medford as Rose Brice
- Walter Pidgeon as Florenz Ziegfeld
A colourful and well mounted movie version of the hit play, itself loosely based on the life of comedienne Fanny Brice, Funny Girl launched Barbra Streisand to movie stardom in her debut role( which garnered her an Oscar.) It’s a wonderful showcase for her and despite a lengthy running time, has more than enough virtues, wonderful music and moments of excellence to entrance.
It is the early part of the 20th Century and in New York, Fanny Brice is Jewish girl of modest means but massive dreams to be a star. No matter who tells her that her nose is too big or her legs are too skinny, Fanny strives to attain life on stage with all she’s got. Initially she starts as a bit player on the vaudeville stage, where her lack of classical beauty and awkward movements stand out a lot, but her determination perseveres. Thankfully, during one particular show, her coltish mien and clumsy mannerisms actually endear her to the audience, and she is a resounding hit. Around this time, she also encounters the dashing gambler and businessman Nick Arnstein, who will play an important role in her life in the years to come. With her act growing more popular, she is shocked and excited when she is hired by the legendary Impresario Florenz Ziegfeld. Fanny can’t believe her luck at being given the opportunity to become a big star as a Ziegfeld girl. Yet with her comedic timing and need to be funny, she at first rubs Ziegfeld up the wrong way. Later, she takes to stage and re-invents a number in her own cheeky way. Ziegfeld is perturbed but seeing how talented she is, encourages her comedienne act. The attention then turns back to Fanny’s relationship with Nick Arnstein, who sweeps her off her feet after years of brief encounters, resulting in marriage. Passionately in love with Nick, Fanny leaves the Follies to concentrate on her love. Yet the ensuing years reveal cracks in their union as Nick becomes resentful of his run of bad luck and Fanny’s continued success. Getting back into performing yet slowly growing unhappy with events, Fanny sees that life is not always as funny as her act.
William Wyler, a most experienced and versatile director, ably and admirably directs Funny Girl; finely judging the funny and light first half and the later bittersweet and dramatic stages. Wyler finds both happiness and sadness in the tale of Fanny Brice, while allowing the production and acting take the biggest chunk of the pie. Superb production design and simply gorgeous costumes are featured, with all the gloss of an Old Hollywood production. One can see that Funny Girl was definitely a prestige project, owing to its luscious photography, dazzling choreography and of course the music. Though the story can feel like standard rise to the top stuff that’s been done dozens of times, the fact that some of it has basis in reality adds and it carries an emotional undercurrent throughout. Now Funny Girl is by no means flawless, as the midsection drags and starts to strain in comparison with the rest of the story. A tad of editing and trimming may have benefited this half of the movie. Luckily, there are many elements that compensate for those niggles and keep you watching the largely engrossing movie. Chief among these are the delightful musical numbers, performed with gusto and depth largely by Barbra Streisand. She gets into the songs so much, fully living them to the highest degree. From an amusing roller skate sequence to the moving ‘People’ and defiantly show stopping ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’, the musical sections are gorgeous and filled with vitality.
What really makes Funny Girl that something special is the outstanding Barbra Streisand. It’s hard to believe that this was her movie debut because of the confidence and ease with which she plays Fanny Brice. Sure she had played the part on stage and was a legit music star, but cinema is a totally different ball game that Streisand rose to, with Oscar-winning results. Embodying a cheeky, gauche charm that later morphs into sadness and disillusionment as her marriage falls apart and it becomes more difficult to put on a smiley face, Streisand’s commitment and exuberant talent announces itself loud and clear. Expertly funny, unwaveringly purposeful, heartbreaking and with a gorgeously soulful voice, Barbra Streisand earned her Oscar with this stunning performance. Omar Sharif has the required smoothness and ultimate desperation for Nick Arnstein, whose serious gambling problem causes his anger at the way things have turned out. Streisand and Sharif share a very good chemistry, going from charmed and loving to torn apart with conviction. Kay Medford is observant and wise as Fanny’s movie, while the role of Ziegfeld is acted with proper aristocratic ability by Walter Pidgeon. The supporting players do well in their parts, but the film belongs to Barbra Streisand.
A splendidly told musical full of glamour, heart and pangs of sadness, Funny Girl is a bravura film that announces the talents of a legend. It can get long-winded, but the overall dedication of those involved makes Funny Girl a sublime film to enjoy.
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
One of my favorite Streisand movies (the other being Hello Dolly). Nice review Vinnie!💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
She is a show stopper in this film. Hard to to believe it was her cinematic debut. What a voice and what a talent. Any favourite songs from this?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Don’t Rain On My Parade. I was in a lot of musicals when I was in high school and I used that for more than one audition!😁
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vinnieh said:
I bet you were fab at singing that song. I love that number too, specifically the last part on the boat when she belts out that final note.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Vinnie! I did nab a couple of leading roles using that.☺️
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vinnieh said:
That’s fantastic. Bet you were as good as Barbra.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
No one has a voice like hers, but I did my best not to dishonor her.😊
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure you did her proud.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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Dr. Rex said:
Oh, m’gosh!! One of my fave, fave movies!! I loved it. I love Barbra … memories flooding back! She was so young, I was so young. Great review!! ❤️❤️
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vinnieh said:
Barbra Streisand is so talented. You can’t contain it, she just radiates power and personality.
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Dr. Rex said:
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Wow!! I’m taking a trip down memory lane!! Amazing back then, amazing still! 🎥
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for reblogging this. So kind and considerate of you.
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
I like this one very much. The sequel starring James Caan is very good too. Fantastic songs.
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vinnieh said:
It was a finely mounted production with Streisand the anchor of it all. I had no idea there was a sequel to this.
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
It’s called Funny Lady, and it focuses on her later life and her second marriage. Streisand and Sharif both reprise their roles.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for that info. What do you think of Barbra Streisand?
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
I have always liked her more as a singer than actress. In these two films though, and in Hello Dolly I really like her as an actress. I feel she brought the right qualities to her roles. She captures the outward humour of Fanny and her inner turmoil well (doing the whole face of clown hides the tears and inner troubles.)
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vinnieh said:
I like her in both capacities yet still have many of her movies to see. So true about the clown hiding the tears. That was what I kept thinking while watching it.
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
Not sure if you’ve ever seen The Way We Were, but she is also quite good in that (co-starring with Robert Redford.)
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vinnieh said:
Oh yes I’ve seen that film. I loved her and Robert Redford as the mismatched couple, they really pulled at the heartstrings.
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findingfairyland said:
I ADORE this movie! It was kind of a gateway film for me, it was the film that really got me interested in movies, especially classic moves. There is a sequel if you didn’t know, Funny Lady. I found it a little disappointing but it’s one of this things you have to watch at least once out of loyalty to the original 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It’s a really wonderful production, with good music and a winning Streisand at the heart of it. I’ll have to make time for Funny Lady.
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keepsmealive said:
Never saw this… not a huge Steisand fan (my choice) so I tend to skip her work as a matter of course. If it came on late one night I might try it, see what was up – but only because of your review!
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vinnieh said:
Even if you’re not a big fan, you can’t deny her excellence in this movie. She really goes for it and is show stopping.
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beetleypete said:
I liked this film so much at the time, I went to see it twice in the same week when it was released. It still holds up today, I think, mainly because of Barbra.
Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
I can’t imagine the movie without her. She truly owns the show and announces her talents in scintillating style.
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raistlin0903 said:
I’ve never seen this one, but seeing as both Streisand and Shariff are in it, I’m certainly going to check this one out. Great post, on what I am certain is a true classic movie. Thanks for sharing this one 😊
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vinnieh said:
It’s not perfect, but is mounted to a high degree and filled with greatness that most foibles can be forgiven. Plus Streisand is magnificent here. She gets to be funny, driven and heartbreaking. Sharif offers her smooth support.
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raistlin0903 said:
I hope to check it out at some point in the future. My to watch list (if you can still call it that, it’s more an encyclopedia these days lol), is just way too big 😂😂
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vinnieh said:
We are like, my list is massive.
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nuwansenfilmsen said:
A fine review, my friend; on a film I simple LOVE!!! ❤
Speaking of it's minor flaws, tell me what movie is completely flawless!!
I agree, that this belongs to Barbra Streisand, and Barbra Streisand alone!! Streisand was Fanny Brice, and no other could have done justice to this role!!!
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vinnieh said:
You are so right, hardly any movies are flawless. The flaws in this are relatively minor and outweighed by the excellence if it all. And Barbra Streisand was simply extraordinary in the role of Fanny Brice. From the ungainly awkwardness to the sadness, plus simp,y gorgeous vocals, she’s a firecracker.
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The Telltale Mind said:
Good stuff! I should watch this at some point, but I’ve never been a Streisand fan at any point in her career so it makes it a little hard for me to do so. One day.
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vinnieh said:
Even if you’re not a Streisand fan, I’m sure you could find something great here. And the woman herself is amazing in her role.
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wordsofjth said:
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vinnieh said:
I’ve just followed your blog.
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wordsofjth said:
Thank you, i’ve also started following you
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vinnieh said:
I much appreciate that.
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