Review of Funny Girl (1968) by Nastassja R — 06 Oct 2009

Funny Girl is a 1968 musical film based on the stage musical of the same name. The semi-biographical plot is based on the life and career of Broadway and film star and comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein.

Its original title was My Man. The screen adaptation, directed by William Wyler, paired Barbra Streisand (reprising her Broadway role) with Omar Sharif as Arnstein. Kay Medford also repeated her stage role as Fanny's mother and Walter Pidgeon was cast as Flo Ziegfeld.

First of all I will say about the smashing stunning and amazing performanse of Streisand Unique exprience to watch a great lead actress like Barbra to interpret her role so beautifully. Even her eyes, outlined in the kohl-thick eyeliner as the 60's style are speaking.

Streisand was a modern beauty whose bold features could reinvent the past before our eyes. Omar Sharif plays opposite Barbra, and he holds up his end of the film nicely, no small feat when you consider that the script gives him little to do and the entire property has been tailored to Streisand's strengths.

No one else registers, with the possible exception of Kay Medford as Fanny's mother. I believe one of the better Sixties Broadway musical adaptations. It is a superb example of Hollywood craftsmanship in which all elements have been blended to perfection with inspired artistry.