Funny Face

Media:	DVD
Directed by:	Stanley Donen
Starring:	Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire
Release date:	10 April, 2001
List price:	~~$9.99~~
Our price:	$8.99 that is 10% off!

Funny Face

Average rating: Stars

Maaaarvellous Mouth!

"Please! I can't hear myself think and I'm trying to think in French!" One of the funniest lines in this great, stylish, movie. To this day my sister and I quote from it.

'Hitsibutchi, hmmm?'

The only problem I have with this film is Fred Astaire; the man is hundreds of years old and he's making the moves on the angelic Audrey Hepburn (yeck!). Kay Thompson is a hoot and unrelentless in her pursuit to find 'the quality woman'.

The songs are alright, I guess, but they aren't the reason to watch this film. It's the funny dialogue, charming setting, and Audrey Hepburn flowing down some stairs in a fab red dress exclaiming, 'Take the picture! Take the picture!".

Funny Face - Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire

all-Gershwin! all-Great!

FUNNY FACE is the Paramount movie musical at it's height. The simple story concerns "dowdy, bookish intellectual shopgirl" Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) who unwittingly gets turned into the most chic fashion model in the world. The editor of `Quality Magazine' Miss Prescott (Kay Thompson) and photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire) join Jo as she makes her big debut in Paris. Though Jo would rather be enjoying herself at one of the beatnik bars dancing to "Basal Metabolism"! Audrey Hepburn (refeshingly un-dubbed) sings all her own numbers and displays a winning and easy singing voice (though I can understand why she was later dubbed for MY FAIR LADY). She also gets to make use of her early dance training with some great numbers ("S'Wonderful", "He Loves and She Loves" and "How Long Has This Been Going On?"). Kay Thompson, that delicious, hilarious vivacious creature, gets a two bonafide showstoppers - "Think Pink" and "Clap Yo' Hands" - and delivers them in her best style. Fred Astaire ably accompanies Miss Hepburn and Miss Thompson with the dizzying "Bonjour Paris". Fabulous costumes from Givenchy. I can't recommend this gem highly enough!

Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire - Funny Face

A WONDERFUL MUSICAL IN DIRE NEED OF RESTORATION.

My third favorite musical of all time following WEST SIDE STORY and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. And why shouldn't it be, it's directed by SINGIN' IN THE RAIN's Stanley Donen. It's got Audrey Hepburn, the greatest movie star of all time. Unlike MY FAIR LADY, Audrey actually gets to sing in this one. It's got Fred Astaire, the greatest song and danceman ever to grace the silver screen. It contains one of the greatest solo dance routines Fred has ever done. A great romantic pairing with Fred and Audrey in a Parisian park that will bring tears to your eyes. Some weird 50's beatnik humor. The best photography of Paris I've ever seen. And a great score, mostly by George and Ira Gershwin. So, what's not to like?

THE TRANSFER IS GOD AWFUL!! Washed out color and a horribly grainy look that all but spoils this wonderful film.

IF EVER A CLASSIC FILM NEEDED RESTORATION, THIS IS IT!! Please, would someone get a hold of this masterpiece of romantic musical comedy and do it the justice it deserves. ANYTHING LESS WOULD BE A CRIME.

5 STARS FOR THE FILM. 0 STARS FOR THE DVD. SHAMEFUL!! ACT ACCORDINGLY.