Review of Cabaret (1981) by Jeffrey L — 05 Sep 2010

An energetic musical showcasing a great cast and their performing talents, Cabaret knows how to entertain its audience with exciting numbers, a fun story to follow and some of the best performances seen in any musical in history. Following similar routines to Victor/Victoria and Chicago, one monster of a musical is in the works here.

Lisa Minnelli (jumping to stardom here) proves that performing talent runs in her family as she performs to a level as well as (if not better than) her late mother, Judy Garland. Playing the role of Sally, a talented performer who is down on her luck proves her talent nicely as she can sing her heart out over difficult subjects like the depression (the film takes place in the 1930s in Berlin, by the way) and relationships fits her well. Michael York is pretty solemn but still is likable as her romance partner, Brian. But perhaps the most remarkable of the whole gang is Joel Grey (father of Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing) as the Master of Ceremonies (which actually is the name of his character). His creepy but convincing performance as the head honcho of the stage could turn anyoneâ??s eye from straight across the room.

Aside from a musical, the film teeters in a formulaic romance story, which follows Minnelli and York in conflicting scenarios as he is bisexual and she becomes pregnant. However, things go their way surprisingly well (againâ?¦itâ??s a bit formulaic) and thereâ??s always a song to sing after every couple scenesâ?¦but this makes the film all the more pleasurable.

Some conservative viewers may be turned off by how provocative some of the numbers and styles are, but as entertainment goes, this one is a sure classic. In addition, it won eight Oscars, most notably best actress (Minnelli), supporting actor (Grey) and art/set direction. Also nominated for best picture, but lost inevitably to The Godfather.