Review of Victor/Victoria (1982) by Gabi B — 22 Oct 2010

It's allways hard to write about favorite movies but lately I found myself singing some pieces of it all over again so I thought this is time to rewatch it one more time and I find myself most sincerelly laughing almost for all 2 hours and a bit.

First of all I am always astonished when I think it was made in 1982 and exposing the homosexuality subject so broadly and bravely. Actually after almost 30 years this movie haven't lost its importance of topic cause it accurately shows fobias, social stereotypes and intollerance. But there is not only story about homosexuals in post-war Paris. This problem expressed strongly but it left to be just a side story. The whole storyline contains much more: love, partnership, friendship, way to fame and way in fame, stage numbers, riots, etc. Actually it is truly complicated story with a lot of turns, bunch of characters who are changing all the time and you never know how it all end up. Plus like always Blake Edwards added some side stories: 'cochroach' waiter (in the end of the movie I was laughing just to see him on screen) or the man next door in the hotel. These stories double the fun of the movie. Dialogues are written briliantly as well (one more score for Blake).

As for an acting you cannot resist the perfect performance of Julie. She shine in this movie not only as a stage person with incredible voice reaching B flat but also as a woman in love and messed up with her personality. And she looks damn great as the male. And the chemistry between her and James worked great. James creates pretty much standard character but in some episodes he is perfect. And of cause it's hard to forget that impressive performance of Robert. The rest of the cast is great as well, they create quite strong characters and funny side stories.

Other thing hard to resist is soundtrack by Henri Mancini. I truly enjoy the pieces and love to sing most of the soundtrack as well as listen of Julie singing. Choreography is good and it completes the perfection of stage numbers.

For me it's hard to believe it was made in 80s also because of photography. It just doesn't feel like early 80s, I mean all the lighting, angles, paterns, etc.

And after all I have to mention that Victor Victoria is one of those movies I could mark very-Blake-Edwards. Truly entertaining, smart, funny, etc. Highly recommended especially if you like musicals, confused stories, bold subjects and something different but entertaining.