Review of Funny Face (1932) by Jason J — 28 Feb 2010

There were things I liked and things I didn't like about this movie. First the things I liked. The art direction was brilliant! So much style and pizazz. Being shot on location in Paris really put the viewer in the heart of the fashion world of the 1950s.

Audrey Hepburn was her usual sweet and charming self. Although she doesn't appear trained in dance or music, her effort was more than sufficient for the role and much preferred to someone dubbing over her.

There were some excellent songs by Gershwin as well, but this is where my criticism begins. There were also some songs that weren't memorable at all. As for Fred Astaire, he's just far too old for Hepburn.

30 years in fact, but to put it in even greater perspective he performed the same role in the stage show 30 years prior in 1929. It's apparent from his dance moves that he's winding down. Of course he's still better than most, but compared to his prime, Astaire seemed somewhat wooden.

I suppose I would have liked to seen a bit more development in the relationship if I were to accept that their attraction could fill in the age gap. Overall a fun, flirty musical romp featuring some of Hollywood's most dazzling stars.