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Chicago – 2002 Marshall
- It blew critics and the Academy away in 2002. Rare 4 star from Travers and many comparisons to Fosse’s 1972 Cabaret… it is not Cabaret
- I think it’s more a strong combination of pieces than brilliant artistic whole.
- The opening montage editing sequence that pairs Catherine Zeta Jones (just give her the supporting actress Oscar 5 minutes in) with the Zellweger character getting seduced and then ultimately committing the murder is a great montage—“all that jazz” song and the passionate love and killing
- On a pure content level I guess it’s a statement of celebrity and fame but this is no Lumet film (Network) in terms of intelligence. It’s no big meditation on these things—it’s a light romp- the film actually falters when it attempts brevity like the Hungarian woman who is innocent and gets hanged prison—it’s bad form—not set up correctly
- Faced paced film—15 to 16 musical numbers- there’s barely a stop between
- Won 6 Oscars, 4 acting noms and I don’t have a beef with any of them (gere wasn’t nominated- should’ve went for supporting instead of lead)
- The editing is crisp—Oscar win and the screenplay is playful and light. It really pops
- Zeta Jones is the main standout for me in the cast- she’s stunning, clearly a great dancer and singer—such a physical dynamic presence on screen—Gere is probably second- he’s the epitome of smooth
- It’s no masterpiece but there are some really inspired moments of set design and lighting as well- I love the shot behind John C. Reilly during his solo—the extended hands creating a sillouette against the lighting backdrop
- Recommend- certainly a good film and in the archives but not in my top 10 of 2002
Drake2017-12-01T16:44:46+00:00
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I have a friend who compares Chicago with To Die For (1995) as they mock (does chicago mock it?) obsession with celebrity/fame, the ever changing media spotlight/public opinion and both feature women who have to claw their way to the top while men are already there. What are your thoughts on this
@Kidman69— That hadn’t occurred to be but I see the comparison. I think that checks out. Many films meditate on the nature of celebrity and celebrity culture. The King of Comedy is in that vein as well.
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