All That Jazz Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A choreographer dances so hard he literally dies on stage, probably from exhaustion or glitter poisoning.

🍿 All That Jazz: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Joe Gideon’s Hectic Life

Joe Gideon, portrayed by Roy Scheider, is a driven Broadway director and choreographer juggling numerous projects. He’s simultaneously working on editing a Hollywood film and staging a new Broadway musical. Gideon’s life is characterized by a relentless pace, fueled by chain-smoking, heavy drinking, and constant use of pills to maintain his energy.

Relationships and Personal Struggles

Gideon’s personal life is as chaotic as his professional one. He navigates complex relationships with his ex-wife Audrey, his girlfriend Kate, and his teenage daughter Michelle. His womanizing ways and dedication to his work often strain these relationships, leaving him emotionally isolated despite being surrounded by people. He also has imaginary conversations with Angelique, the angel of death.

Health Crisis and Hospitalization

Amid the stress of his demanding career, Gideon experiences severe chest pains and is hospitalized with angina. He initially dismisses his symptoms, attempting to return to work despite the doctor’s orders. His condition deteriorates as he continues his unhealthy habits, leading to a massive coronary event that requires bypass surgery. The stress from this lifestyle is what lead to Gideon’s demise.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider): A womanizing, workaholic director and choreographer whose self-destructive lifestyle leads him to confront his mortality.
• Angelique (Jessica Lange): The ethereal Angel of Death who serves as Joe Gideon’s confidante and a symbol of his impending fate.
• Kate Jagger (Ann Reinking): Joe Gideon’s current girlfriend and a dancer, who desires a committed relationship but struggles with his infidelity.
• Audrey Paris (Leland Palmer): Joe Gideon’s ex-wife and the star of his Broadway show, who still cares for him despite his flaws.
• Michelle (Erzsebet Foldi): Joe Gideon’s teenage daughter, who longs for a closer relationship with her often-absent father.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joe Gideon: “It’s showtime, folks!” – Joe says this to himself in the mirror every morning as a ritual, psyching himself up for the day’s challenges.
• Angelique: “You’re going to have to stop all this, you know.” – Angelique, representing the Angel of Death, warns Joe about his self-destructive lifestyle.
• Joe Gideon: “I’m not afraid of death. I’m afraid of not trying.” – Joe expresses his driving ambition and fear of failure, even in the face of mortality.
• Audrey Paris: “You’re killing yourself, Joe.” – Audrey, Joe’s ex-wife, voices her concern about his reckless behavior and its impact on his health.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $37,823,676
• Worldwide Gross: $37,824,824

💥 All That Jazz Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘All That Jazz’ blew my mind. I went in expecting a musical, but it was so much more. The opening scene with the auditions had me hooked immediately; the energy was insane. Roy Scheider was incredible, and the way Fosse told his own story so unflinchingly was just…wow. It’s not always easy to watch, but it’s so real and so captivating. The dream sequences are wild, and the ending? It really hit me hard. Definitely a film that will stick with me forever. It felt like a conversation between a creative spirit and the end.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bob Fosse’s work”
  • “Lovers of musicals with a dark edge”
  • “Viewers interested in biographical dramas”
  • “People fascinated by the world of Broadway and show business”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Smoking”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A stunning, visually arresting, and deeply personal exploration of life, death, and the creative process. Fosse holds nothing back, delivering a raw and unflinching look at the price of genius and the toll it takes on oneself and loved ones. It is a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• Variety: “A dazzling spectacle and a brutally honest self-portrait. Roy Scheider delivers a career-defining performance, and the musical numbers are breathtaking. Fosse’s direction is both innovative and deeply affecting, making this a must-see for any serious film fan.
• The Guardian: “All That Jazz is both dazzling and brutally honest, mixing spectacular musical numbers with a raw and uncompromising look at the life of a workaholic. Fosse’s semi-autobiographical film is a masterpiece of self-reflection and visual storytelling.

Audience Reactions

The dance sequences are mind-blowing and unlike anything I’ve ever seen!: Viewers rave about the innovative choreography and the film’s visual style.

Roy Scheider’s performance is phenomenal, totally embodying the manic energy of Joe Gideon.: Audiences praise Scheider’s portrayal as one of his best.

The film is a brutally honest, no-holds-barred look at the life of a creative genius.: Many appreciate the film’s unflinching honesty and willingness to explore darker themes.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and intensely personal film, praised for its innovative choreography, strong performances, and unflinching look at the life of a creative genius, while some find it self-indulgent, most agree it is a unique and powerful cinematic experience.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1980
2. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1980
3. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1980
4. Academy Award (Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Adaptation Score)- 1980

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bob Fosse suffered a heart attack during the period depicted in the film, adding a layer of autobiographical intensity to the story.”
• “The film’s chaotic editing style and blending of fantasy and reality were heavily influenced by Federico Fellini’s ‘8½’.”
• “Many of the dance sequences, particularly ‘Take Off With Us,’ pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for mainstream cinema at the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch All That Jazz?

All That Jazz is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. Unfortunately as of right now there are no official streaming platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed All That Jazz, you might like these similar films:

• 8½ (1963): Shares the same stream-of-consciousness narrative and exploration of a director’s creative crisis.
• Cabaret (1972): Also directed by Bob Fosse, exploring dark themes through musical numbers and a strong central performance.
• Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014): A modern film about the pressures of show business, ego, and the blurring lines between reality and performance.
• Moulin Rouge! (2001): A visually stunning and unconventional musical exploring themes of love, loss, and artistic passion.

🛒 All That Jazz Related Products

• All That Jazz (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A definitive edition of the film, featuring restored image and sound, plus extensive bonus content like interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes footage, providing a comprehensive look at the making of the movie.
• Original Movie Poster – All That Jazz (1979): A vintage, original theatrical release poster of ‘All That Jazz’, capturing the iconic imagery of the film’s promotional campaign. A piece of cinematic history, perfect for collectors and movie buffs.
• All That Jazz: The Bob Fosse Musical Theatre Dance Collection: A comprehensive collection of sheet music and dance arrangements from Bob Fosse’s most iconic works, including ‘All That Jazz’. Allows musicians and dancers to explore and recreate the unique style and energy of Fosse’s choreography.
• Fosse/Verdon [DVD]: An eight-part limited series chronicling the romantic and creative partnership between Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. A good companion piece to better understand the autobiographical nature of All That Jazz.

🎧 Soundtrack

All That Jazz features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “On Broadway” – performed by George Benson
• “Everything Old Is New Again” – performed by Peter Allen
• “After You’ve Gone” – performed by Liza Minnelli
• “There’s No Business Like Show Business” – performed by Ethel Merman
• “Bye Bye Love” – performed by The Everly Brothers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ann Reinking does ‘All That Jazz’ RARE

Ever wondered what a rare Ann Reinking performance of ‘All That Jazz’ looks like? I found this gem, and seriously, her dancing is mesmerizing. You’ve gotta check it out!

How Realistic Are These Jazz Scenes in Films?? Jazz Musician Reacts

I stumbled upon this video where a jazz musician critiques the jazz scenes in movies, including ‘All That Jazz.’ It’s fascinating to see his perspective and whether Hollywood gets it right – some hits, some misses! Give it a watch!

There Will Be Some Changes Made

Want to see Ann Reinking absolutely kill it in ‘All That Jazz’? This performance of ‘There Will Be Some Changes Made’ is pure energy. Trust me, it’s worth the watch!

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