The multi-talented creative force Bob Fosse made a big impact in his short life, as seen in the homages to his work seen in modern works like The Simpsons. Dying abruptly from a massive heart attack at the age of 60, Fosse made massive contributions to the fields of dance, theater, television, and, of course, cinema. In 1973, Bob Fosse became the only person ever to have won an Oscar, Tony, and Emmy in the same year. A distinction he is the claimant of to this day.
The perfectionist director was able to make five feature films in his lifetime, three of which were nominated for Academy Awards. While he may not have been the most prolific filmmaker in the world, Bob Fosse made his mark on the film industry with his movies that have gone on to be enjoyed by each subsequent generation of cinephiles.
Star 80 (1983) - 6.7
Bob Fosse's last film before his untimely death, Star 80 recounts the tragic true story of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten and the danger she experiences with her obsessive manager/husband, Paul. Fosse perfectly captures the meteoric rise of Stratten in contrast to Paul's frenzied fixation on not being left behind by his successful wife.
The movie was expertly cast by Fosse with Eric Roberts and Mariel Hemingway as Paul and Dorothy, respectively, giving the film top-tier quality acting. This film ranks as Fosse's worst (though still ranks high at a 6.7 rating) as at times the film seems dated and the story's troubling elements make for a gloomy and unsettling viewing. However, given the heinous nature of the true story, it is fitting that the movie goes for an unsettling tone, as anything else would be glorying a horrific occurrence. Those who enjoy this film would possibly designate it as one of the best movies based on true stories.
Sweet Charity (1969) - 7.0
A transition for Fosse from choreography to directing at the beginning of his career in film, Sweet Charity is a musical about an optimistic young taxi driver and dance hall dancer who dreams of being whisked away from her sleazy surroundings. Through a chance encounter, she meets the reserved Oscar who may just be what she's been looking for.
With memorable costumes by the esteemed Edith Head, the film's wardrobe is worthy of attention on its own. In addition, Fosse's use of innovative and creative staging of the dance numbers sets Sweet Charity apart from the musicals of its day. In effect, a unique approach to the musical genre was cemented which would progress in Fosse's career.
Lenny (1974) - 7.6
Entirely in black and white, Lenny tells the story of controversial comedian Lenny Bruce. Jumping from different sections of his life, ranging from burlesque beginnings to troubles with the law on obscenity charges to a burned-out and addicted performer at the end of his career. Dustin Hoffman stars as the titular comedian. He does a perfect job of playing Lenny Bruce in all the different stages of his life.
Further, Hoffman makes Bruce's fall from grace all the more poignant as he gives the character a bitterness and anger that became a hallmark of Lenny Bruce's last shows before a morphine overdose in 1966. The audience can completely understand and sympathize with Bruce's struggles and frustrations through Fosse's direction and Hoffman's acting. It is clear from the film that Fosse understood Bruce, as he had a great deal in common with the comedian, giving an air of authenticity to the picture.
Cabaret (1972) - 7.8
Cabaret is an absolute classic and is often regarded as one of the best musicals of all time. Starring Liza Minelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey, Cabaret chronicles a love triangle between a British academic, an American cabaret singer, and a wealthy German playboy against the backdrop of the rise of the Nazi party in Berlin in 1931.
The film carries a cynical and bleak tone, setting it apart from the more common tropes of sunny and lighthearted musicals. Fosse shows the sleazy decadence of the club dwellings in conjunction with the apathetic main characters who are more consumed with their own hedonism and personal dramas than the decay of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. Given Fosse's career beginnings in burlesque clubs, he was the perfect person to direct Cabaret, as he had a dance background in addition to being familiar with the type of environment the story called for. Likewise, Fosse did not have the most adversity-free life, giving the director an edge and darkness that lent itself to the film's tone and style.
All That Jazz (1979) - 7.9
Probably Fosse's most personal work, this semi-autobiographical movie was inspired by Fosse's near-fatal heart attack in 1975. While working on the Broadway musical of Chicago and editing his film Lenny, Fosse was pushed to the limits and ultimately had the heart attack that would inspire the plot of All That Jazz and he used himself as the model for the character of Joe Gideon. Roy Scheider plays Gideon, a challenging role for any actor, in a remarkable portrayal of the director. In yet another art imitates life moment for this film, Fosse cast the real-life inspiration for the character Kate Jagger in the actual role, dancer and actor Ann Reinking.
With a show-stopping ending, the film's climax is dazzling and is a testament to Fosse's extraordinary talents as a choreographer and director. All That Jazz follows Joe Gideon, a womanizing, drug abusing choreographer/director who increasingly finds it harder and harder to balance his constant work schedule and debauched lifestyle along with his young daughter and artistic aspirations. As he continues to push himself harder and harder, he engages in conservation with the angel of death, Angelique, about his life.