The Fabulous Baker Boys
What Do I Think of ...?
The story: Definitely an engaging story, that has a clear path of plots but the characters provide the backbone for the movie. I like the moody atmosphere of the movie (score, the look of the movie) that complemented the three central characters. Jack Baker came out as the central character among the three central characters. He was the center of the different relationships in the movie, Jack with Frank, with Suzie and even that little girl who always comes in his apartment. Let's start with Frank and Jack as the titular Baker Brothers. I find the dynamics very interesting. In the movie Jack was clearly the more talented pianist, yet he was sort of being mentored by his less talented older brother. They don't hate each other but you can just tell there were things unsaid between them that needs to be said or at least emotionally be articulated. And I find it funny when Suzie pointed out how weird their relationship was when they started to fight like a couple in one scene. Next, Jack and the little girl. I think this was a great subplot, it's outside the main scope of the plot but it never felt out of place in the movie. In fact this subplot allowed Jack's character to further developed. And lastly the most important of all, the Jack and Suzie relationship. In many ways both of them are the same. They both act tough and very in control of themselves when in fact they were secretly felt being trapped and helpless to the lives they end up living. That was the most resonant aspect of the movie.
The performance: One of the very best performances of Pfeiffer in a career full of great performances. The monopoly of attention was geared towards the fact that Pfeiffer sings in this movie. And the most famous of those musical numbers is Pfeiffer singing "Makin' Whoopee" atop a piano. This woman knows how to make a song sizzle, and from the sensual phrasing and breathing, to the seductive body movements, and yes the infamous red dress, Pfeiffer made that scene etched in the memory of those who've seen it. Nobody will sing that song, even those who are technically far better singer than her, the way she did. Another memorable musical number was the "More Than You Know" number as she made her screen entrance as she auditioned for the vocalist in the Baker Boys' act. She sang that song with such simplicity and emotion you felt every syllable of the song. But Pfeiffer's performance isn't epitomize by those musical numbers, it would be a crime to do so. She portrayed the vulnerability of Suzie Diamond beautifully. She made you feel the character's sadness and frustration while maintaining the tough facade she always carry. And when she finally had that confrontation with Jack (Jeff Bridges) toward the end of the movie, that's the most vulnerable she's become. She's basically begging for Jack to CARE.
The character: Suzie Diamond is a blue collar, uneducated but smart, sharp tongued kind of gal. She says what she thinks and she doesn't care what people think of her. But deep down inside she isn't as tough as she projects. She felt empty and trapped and uses that tough exterior to mask her emotions. This is a type of character an actress can really sink her teeth into. She gets to sing, stretch her acting abilities, and she gets to play a strong female role that is edgy, full of emotions but not sappiness, and lastly a character that is three dimensional. And I'm glad Pfeiffer was the one played this once in a lifetime kind of role. Suzie Diamond remains, and deservedly so, one of Pfeiffer's signature roles.
The costars: Jeff Bridges is probably my favorite costar of Michelle Pfeiffer, so far. Why? Probably in almost all aspect they're great together. As love interest, they had great, quietly intense chemistry. As acting partners, they're toe=to-toe. They know when to emote with their faces and hold back a little (just like three dimensional people) to give some ambiguity and enigma to their characters. In real life the most honest things are said not with words. Beau Bridges was also great, he has the least material to work with but he made the character transcend a potentially thankless role since his role was clearly overshadowed by Jack and Suzie. In a perfect world both of the Bridges would've been nominated for an Academy Award. And Jennifer Tilly made an amusing semi-cameo appearance.
Notes, Observations, Questions Etc.
In the original script of the movie, there were some scenes that weren't included in the final cut. Do you think they filmed those scenes? And if they did, do you think that they would include those deleted scenes in the future DVD release of the movie?
Every time you hear the song Candy Man, does Jennifer Tilly's wacky rendition of the song cross your mind?
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