Review of The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) by Dawdlingpoet — 27 Nov 2021

This is a somewhat saucy film, not in an explicit sense but there are some scenes featuring musical performances from the main characters which are a bit sensual perhaps. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a particularly memorable performance - I'd say if your a fan of hers then you'll enjoy this but then considering the film dates from 1989, I'd be surprised if you hadn't already seen it before.

Its true that the plot pace is a bit slow but I found it an easy watch regardless. The relationship between the two brothers (said baker boys) and Pfeiffer's character, Susie, is fairly interesting. Jeff Bridges plays brother Jack, the surprisingly laidback and even rather cold, noncomittal and apathetic type.

I think a key word or theme in this film is disillusionment. Oh and from a musical perspective, to give you an idea, there's a lot (and by a lot I mean a LOT) of 'bar music' mainly featuring saxophone featured - saxophone and piano music. Some saxophone music can be heard in the background during scenes not featuring live performances as well, giving it the feel of an old detective type film almost. It is a little cheesy in that regard I suppose.

Its also rather seedy in tone but I thought it was an alright watch. there were some amusing scenes (although it isn't an outright comedy) and the performances made it a pretty decent watch, even though the plot is a bit weak. Not a bad watch, not a brilliant one but not a bad one either.