Set largely in the dimly lit Kit Kat Club, Bob Fosse’s Cabaret—based on the musical of the same title—bids the audience a willkommen from the start, drawing the viewer into the world of cabaret lounge performers in 1931 Berlin, Germany. The Master of Ceremonies (Joel Grey) leads the musical numbers, at first providing an escape from the outside world and the uprising of the Nazi Party. Over time, the change in climate is reflected in performances and the club’s growing inclusion of Nazi soldiers in the audience.
American cabaret singer Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli) performs at the Kit Kat Club and dreams of one day making it big as an actress. She doesn’t appear particularly concerned with the world around her, outside of how to make her performance goals a reality. Bowles’ wide-eyed ignorance can feel frustrating, yet in some ways it appears almost endearing, while she is seen falling for the fleeting promises of wealth and fame.
After alluding to a string of men who promised meetings with casting agents, Sally develops feelings for British language teacher Brian Roberts (Michael York) who moves into the same boarding house she resides in. The two begin a relationship, then both fall for wealthy baron, Maximilian von Heune (Helmut Griem). This love triangle progresses while the Nazi Party continues to grow in power, reaching a point where the bohemian lovebirds can no longer ignore the world is changing.
Cabaret features entertaining musical numbers and talented performers, most notably Sally and the Master of Ceremonies’ singing and acting chops at the Kit Kat Club. Sally’s desperation to hold onto a dream that intrinsically feels impossible from the start also provides an interesting comparison to the unavoidable world outside of her performances. Flashes of the Master of Ceremonies included outside the musical performances suggest that he oversees and leads the audience through all. If musicals are in your wheelhouse, Cabaret is absolutely worth the watch!
Cabaret
1972
dir. Bob Fosse
135 min.
Screens (on 35mm!) Thursday, 4/21 @ Coolidge Corner Theatre
Part of the ongoing series: Groundbreaking and Big Screen Classics
