Cabaret

There is a trend developing in cinemas at the moment which I'm really loving. Finally they are realising that older films can bring an audience back to the cinema.

A few years ago I was the stage production of this story and really enjoyed it. I had been meaning to hired out the film version to compare and contrast. The stories are similar but some events are different.

Most musicals are very glamorous with lots of lighting. However this film has a certain amount of grittiness to it which suits the down and dirty nature of the story. You can see how 'Moulin Rouge' was heavily influenced by the story. It is not very unique to have a straight-laced man fall in love with a free-spirit women. So it is how you present the story that gets you in. The story here has a love triangle element that takes a different sort of twist which makes it great. It is not an obvious twist too and suits the dirtiness of the story. Being set in 1936 there is also the threat of Nazis lurking in the background. We see them occasionally but they do not make a big impression. It kind of makes them a sinister presence.

The film has lots of music in it but presents it in a different way. The characters do not burst into song but instead the songs which reveal the emotion of the what's happening. These songs are really well staged at the Cabaret club. Being in a small night club it gives them a more intimate look and so while not grand like most musical numbers are still excellent.

Liza Minnelli has not had much success lately except in her private life. This however is probably the highlight of her film career. She deservedly one an Oscar for her role as Sally Bowls and definitely deserves it. Liza cannot only sing and dance brilliantly but bring out the emotions of her character so well. While you get the impression that Sally is a fairly similar character to Liza it is still a wonderful performance. Michael York is known to many audiences these days for his role in the Austin Powers movies. But in the 70's he was hugely popular. Being British he plays the uptight character of Brian really well. Helmut Griem does a nice job as the third part of our love triangle. A nicely played rich man who shares his love around. The real stand out though is Joel Grey as the MC. He performs most of the musical numbers and has such a brilliantly manic spirit that you can't help but love him.

One of the great musicals that should be seen on the big screen if you get a chance. If not them you can still delight in the story and music at home.