dir. Bob Fosse (1979)
All That Jazz
5.0
/5
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"All That Jazz" is an emotionally intense and intricately choreographed film that loves to touch deep into existential themes. Personally, I think this is a clear cinematic masterpiece, it reflects years of dedicated work, evident in its elaborate structure and storytelling. The film's essence is its portrayal of existential dread, beautifully executed to captivate the audience.

On my viewing, I saw the narrative to gain more momentum in the second half, building on the life and impact of the main character, Joe Gideon within the first half. The first half in my opinion is a light simmer while the second half reflects a much more explosive jump in emotional turmoil. Joe's charisma and influence on those around him are central to the film, illustrating how he resonates with people across various emotional levels. The complexity of human experiences and emotions is brought to the forefront, making the film a challenging yet rewarding experience to unpack.

Notably, "All That Jazz" is both intensely exhausting and exhilarating, with a musical aspect that showcases the director's genius. Roy Scheider’s portrayal of Joe Gideon is remarkable, contributing to the film’s profound impact. There were a lot of times watching where it was really hard to sit back and process some scenes, due to its heavy subject exploration.

The film shares thematic similarities with "Synecdoche, New York," particularly in its fascination of death and self-awareness. It breaks the fourth wall, engaging directly with the audience and leaving them in pure confusion at times. The portrayal of death in the film is unique, presenting it as an integral and even blissful part of life. It explores the concept of love in relation to death, underlining the inescapability and significance of the latter.

The final act is arguably the best musical ending I've seen, focusing on acceptance of death and finding peace. It is extreme, amazingly choreographed, and a complete heart-wrench to leave you emotionally lost and verbally speechless.

Director Bob Fosse reflects this theme in Joe’s character, emphasizing the desire to leave a lasting impact through art. "All That Jazz" conveys a powerful message about making peace with death and leaving a mark in the world, recognizing the relentless march of time passing and the universal acknowledgement of death.