The Fabulous Baker Boys [DVD]

Writer-director Steve Kloves’ 1989 film provides a great example of how genres (here, essentially, the romcom) can be successfully reinvigorated with the aid of a witty, bittersweet script and a core (here, a trio) of perfectly judged acting performances. The boards have been well and truly trodden for cinematic tales of the struggling artist, but here Kloves provides an intriguing variation to the concept with his trio of perennial losers – the 'too comfortable’ (real-life & fictional) sibling pairing of Beau Bridges’ respectable family man and lounge pianist, Frank Baker, and brother Jeff’s cynical, stage partner, Jack, the pair’s musical act being augmented by the dulcet tones and disruptive influence of Michelle Pfeiffer’s feisty, ex-call girl, Susie Diamond. Kloves writing here is particularly adept at getting under skin of the fraternal relationship, as well as turning what could have been a rather syrupy romantic affair into a more subtle, thoughtful drama with themes of ambition, honesty and self-respect.Perhaps unsurprisingly, the film is probably best known for Pfeiffer’s (admittedly irresistible) sultry turn – culminating in her sliding across the top of Jack’s piano to the tune of Makin’ Whoopee – or perhaps for Jeff Bridges’ depiction of the emotionally detached loner harbouring (likely) unrealisable dreams of a 'serious’ music career and whose only soul-mates are his ageing dog and his neighbour’s lonely young daughter. Both Bridges Jr. and Pfeiffer are excellent, of course, but I would also make a strong case for elder brother Beau, whose pitch perfect delivery of his smooth, corny on-stage (forced) banter with Jack is an absolute highlight. Similarly memorable is the transformation in Frank’s facial expressions from despair, at witnessing the hilarious series of no-hoper auditions the brothers are forced to sit through, to astonishment, as Susie finally delivers her revelatory, near-orgasmic rendition of More Than You Know. Kloves’ skill and versatility is also evident via the understated treatment of the romance between Jack and Susie, and the later, highly-charged stand-offs between Jack and each of Susie and Frank.Also worthy of mention is a brilliant little cameo from Jennifer Tilly as the unsuccessful and (typically) ditzy auditioner, Monica, who makes a reappearance towards the end of the film in a nicely poignant moment, as Jack manages to resist the worst of his natural instincts. This encounter actually reminded me of Jack Lemmon’s Christmas Eve equivalent with Hope Holiday’s Margie MacDougall towards the end of Billy Wilder’s film The Apartment and, indeed, Kloves’ film has a similar tone to that of Wilder’s masterpiece. And, you really can’t get a higher recommendation than that!

I'd pay to see Jeff Bridges reading the telephone-directory - one of the most under-rated actors of his generation, though becoming more respected as he grows older - so maybe I'm prejudiced in favour of this film. But the tensions between the two (real-life) brothers (Frank played by Beau Bridges and Jack, played by Jeff) was both engrossing and ultimately moving (and could possibly be an example of art imitating life, one imagines). Michelle Pfeiffer was utterly believable as a vampish, bohemian chanteuse Susy Diamond and hats off to her for doing her own singing. I love understated films which demand intelligence from the viewer and this is a fine example: Jack's persona is developed subtly and incidental characters, like the booking-agent, Jack's dog, the little girl downstairs, are introduced to further our understanding of him The cocktail waitress whom he casually bonks in the first reel tells him after the one-night-stand that he has "great hands" (put to good use during the sex act, one assumes); Susy, the catalyst who changes his life, appreciates the way those "great hands" play jazz and by showing contempt for his acceptance of the status quo, pushes him into rejection of the shallow showbiz he's hated for 17 years and rejection also of his brother's values. He also comes to realize for the first time ever that it's possible to commit to a woman and see her as something other than a one-night-stand.A subtle film that pays watching over and over again.

I never got around to buying this DVD til recently. The last time I saw it was on my VHS of a TV broadcast and they must have edited it for language. The four letter words do mar it slightly. But it's feelgood movie, with lovely music by Dave Grusin, including saxophonist Ernie Watts. The piano miming by the Bridges brothers is brilliant and Pfeiffer's vocal performance is very good for a non vocalist by trade.

low key 80's movie, watched it years ago but its kind of therapeutic to watch. All 3 stars in this shine : Michelle Pfeiffer is dazzling when she sings Makin Whoopee on the piano, in a very famous scene & the chemistry between all 3 is great . Jeff & Michelle sizzle together in their scenes together too . Since the film is set around Xmas & new year , now is a great time to watch it .

This is the best movie ever made. It envelops you in the environs of the movie, whether it's the city, the venue, the peoople. The characters are fully rounded and thoroughly engaging. The main actors are second to none. The story is brilliant, the secondary characters add to the film without distracting from anything. You've never seen Makin Whooppee until you've seen Michelle and Jeff (Suzie and Jack) do it and you will never see it as good again. I've watched it over and over again over at least 20 years and still love it as much. The heart and soul, the music and the passion and the grit. This is just like a list but as far as talking about this film, the list is endless. Ultimately it is one thing: perfect.

One of my all time favourite films. I never get tired of watching it.

when my husband taped a tennis match over my VHS tape of this film. I will probably wear this DVD out from rewatching a much loved film. Michelle P at her best, the most romantic scene ever in the Jack and Jill bathroom, the sexiest scene ever on the piano (MUCH better that RG and JR in Pretty Woman), the best depiction of the brother's relationship. So many levels to what could have been just a 'dark' version of a rom com.

Excellent movie nothing changes really each generation comes along and it repeats it's self.wonderful performance, of course Both brothers can play jazz piano and the lead actress sings for real so that's the real deal.I think the Tenor sax work behind elements of the movie is the great Branford Marsalis.All in all very well executed.