Monday, June 9, 2008

Gypsy

Author(s): Michael
Location: OK


"Gypsy"

Directed by Rob Marshall
Adapted by Bill Condon
Distributed by Miramax Pictures
Additional Music by Stephen Sondheim
Costume Design by Colleen Atwood
Art Direction by John Myhre and Gordon Sim

Main Cast

Michelle Pfeiffer- Mama Rose
Amanda Seyfried- June
Kristen Bell- Louise
Victor Garber- Herbie
Curtis Holbrook- Tulsa
Parker Posey- Tessie Tura
Nia Vardalos- Mazeppa
Veanne Cox- Electra

Tagline: "You gotta get a ticket.."

Synopsis: Vaudeville was the only thing that Rose could ever imagine for her children. It was their calling in life and Rose was going to make sure they were on the Orpheum Circuit, the top vaudeville circuit of the day. Having no success at being discovered in kiddie shows, Mama took her star, June and her backup dancer, Louise on the road to get in bigger shows. After picking up a few other boys to dance backup with Louise, Rose met talent agent Herbie, who begins to represent the talented young group. As the years pass, the kids are now teenagers and still doing a little kid show, but finally after a lot of waiting, they are discovered and put on the Orpheum Circuit.

The Circuit brings out everything that Rose has dreamed for her daughters, but problems arise soon. Louise and Tulsa, who is a backup dancer in along with her, are quickly finding love with each other, but Tulsa is just playing the innocent young woman. He and June are planning their own duet act and within days they leave Rose, Louise, and Herbie all by themselves. Louise is of course distraught, but Rose mistakes this for being upset that the act is over and forces Louise into her own act.

Without the top notch act that they once had, Louise’s act is now performing from tiny theater to tiny theater and once by accident, they end up in a strip club. It is there that Louise learns and masters the art of the striptease with the help of the low class and unenthusiastic strippers, Tessie Tura, Mazeppa, and Electra. At first, Rose is aghast at the notion of her daughter stripping, but soon warms up to the idea. Herbie, disgusted, leaves Rose and Louise alone by themselves. Together, they decide to put Louise on tour, from club to club and she soon becomes the biggest striptease act in the nation. However, Louise soon grows to be weary of only stripping and leaves Rose by herself. It is then after so many years of pushing people, that Rose discovers why she is by herself in the world.

What the Press would say:

Most Broadway critics agree that Gypsy is perhaps the best American musical ever written. So why is it that the classic has never been properly adapted to the big screen? Never fear, Rob Marshall creates his own classic on the big screen with his latest achievement of “Gypsy”. It’s the triumph of the year and the best movie musical that has been released in the last 40 years. Filled with wonderful music and a compelling plotline, Gypsy tells the story of neurotic stage mother Rose (often referred to as Mama Rose or just Mama) who pushes her children into show business which ultimately turns into burlesque dancing. Rob Marshall clearly had a strong vision for the iconic film and was the perfect choice to helm the material. To him, film is an art form and that shows in all aspects of the motion picture. It was also very apparent that Marshall gave the actors fantastic direction as well because all of the performances are top notch. Michelle Pfeiffer is phenomenal in her rendition of the iconic role of Mama Rose. Her performance is one that will be talked about for years to come and surely will not ever be forgotten. Her acting chops are shown in so many spectacular scenes where she shines above the rest of the stellar cast. Particularly in the show-stopping scene with the song “Rose’s Turn”, Pfeiffer shows that she is an extraordinary artist that can master any genre, medium, or character. Among the class act performances is the excellent Kristen Bell who holds her own in a cast of talented veteran screen actors, deserves all of the accolades that are coming to her. Although, she hasn’t done a lot of film work, you could never tell with the emotion she provides and the unforgettable way she takes on a character that can often be very dull. Bell brings such life to the role and transforms the character in a person that is extremely easy to sympathize with. By far the best supporting performance of the year is given by this performer that has a bright future indeed. Amanda Seyfried is delightful in a smaller role in the film and is perfect for the peppy “more talented” June. While she is outshined by the powerhouse performances of Pfeiffer and Bell, she is still remarkable in her role. Victor Garber gives a fantastic performances as the semi-love interest/agent Herbie. He and Pfeiffer were perfect for the roles and have such amazing chemistry that is truly a wonder to behold. However, newcomer Curtis Holbrook is really the male standout of the film. Having very little prior experience, he delivers a delightful debut performance that fits in flawlessly with the feel of the film.

Bill Condon writes yet again a great screenplay that is to die for. He’s added even more humorous quips that are sure to get your sides hurting in no time. He provides more depth to characters that are explored more and brings improvement to something that was almost perfect in the first place. Ever aspect of the film is just pure brilliance and deserves every acknowledgment out there. From Acting to Art Direction, Gypsy is by far the best film of the year and a movie musical that will live on forever, with performances that will never be beaten.

FYC

Best Picture
Best Director- Rob Marshall
Best Actress- Michelle Pfeiffer
Best Supporting Actor- Victor Garber
Best Supporting Actor- Curtis Holbrook
Best Supporting Actress- Kristen Bell
Best Supporting Actress- Amanda Seyfried
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Editing
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing

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