Andrew Ellington 2008-06-17
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
If ever there was a movie title that really `said it all' then it would have to be `The Fabulous Baker Boys' because, while Michele Pfeiffer is utterly stunning in her portrayal of lounge singer Susie Diamond, it is the Bridges brothers (who happen to play the Baker brothers) who really prove themselves `fabulous' in this film. I am a longstanding fan of Jeff Bridges, an actor who is solid in everything he does, but it wasn't until this wonderful film that I was drawn to the splendor that is Jeff's real-life brother Beau who, in all honesty, became the highlight for me here. Truly though, all three actors draw off one another beautifully to help create a fabulous movie experience.
Some have noted that the plot is thin, and while that may be the case it truly doesn't matter. A story, when told right, doesn't need to be bogged down with heavy subplots and meaning. A simple, clean and refreshing story such as this can be just as rewarding, especially when handled as delicately and as efficiently as it is here.
The title of the film refers to the dueling piano act of Frank and Jack Baker. Frank is the older more stable brother. He has a wife and two kids, a home and a mind for management. He plans their gigs, sets their schedules, decides their song numbers, obsesses over their appearance. He is all about making the money, and he knows what to do in order to make that happen. Jack is the younger yet more talented brother. He drifts from woman to woman, all the while avoiding any real commitment. He doesn't really care about the money aspect of things, as can be seen by his crumby living conditions. He doesn't care to fix his hair before a gig and has no quarrels with smoking on stage. He's calm, collected and always seemingly amused, yet there is enough going on under the surface to convince the audience that that is not entirely the case.
Trouble is lurking around the corner for these boys though. Their act is getting stale and so to liven things up (and fill a few more seats) they decide to take on a singer.
Enter Susie Diamond. Susie is not the type of girl the boys expected (she's a bit rough around the edges) but her talent is undeniable, and her charm shines through the cracks in her rough exterior. Things are looking up for the boys, but as can be expected, there will be there fair share of bumps along the way.
Like I said; a simple story. Sure, the film does touch upon staying true to ones self and not compromising ones dreams for the sake of others (case in point being Jack's continuing to play alongside his brother when he finds it humiliating and ultimately wishes he could pursue something more self gratifying) but in the end the film is merely a beautifully entertaining ride.
The film is elevated by three superb performances. Michele Pfeiffer has been singled out (she being the only one to receive an Oscar nomination) and her performance is definitely worthy of singling out. As Susie she exudes this edgy sensuality that permeates the screen whenever she's on it. Her initial audition scene alone is a perfect example of an actress who acts from her fingertips down to her toes. She is so on point, so magnificent, able to allow the audience to take down her character like fine whiskey; she goes down smooth but leaves a burn.
But this movie belongs to the boys; the Bridges boys that is. Their performances are utterly unavoidable here. Jeff is seriously one of our finest working actors, always nestled beautifully into his character. He has proven time and time again to be consistent and reliable and a stable centerpiece to each and every one of his films. Here is no exception. As Jack he displays such commanding presence without demanding it from us. He is always calm and collected, even when agitated and pushed to his limits. His voice is barely ever raised above a considerate speaking tone and this adds weight to his character, a repressed and passive brother to Beau's Frank who is most definitely the dominant force in the brothers partnership. Beau delivers what may be my favorite performance in the film. Frank is sporadic and all over the place one minute then completely grounded and confident the next. He plays a part, a part that he is comfortable with because it allows him to live a comfortable life, but unlike Jack, Frank has allowed this part to define him. When Jack calls him out on it towards the end of the film you can see the disbelief in Frank's eyes and the instinctual response of justification.
Brilliant.
In the end I highly recommend this delightful film. I love it when actors really clench down on a role and let it run through them as if it were their life sustaining blood. All three of these actors do just that, and the result is nothing short of `fabulous'.
