Midler Gypsy Movie

[bially082]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:05pm

Has anyone seen the Gypsy movie starring Bette Midler. I saw it at Target yesterday. I didn't know if I should buy it since I hadn't heard of it. So if any of you have seen it, how was it?

edt: sorry about the Bette Target thing. I meant Bette Midler, i found it at Traget. :)

Updated On: 9/8/05 at 05:05 PM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:10pm

it's fantastic. ends up being high on my list of favorite movie musicals because of how faithful it is to the original script. plus Bette is amazing as Mamma Rose... c'mon... it's a must.

[tthomas76]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:11pm

It's a wonderful version of the show... You should pick it up... It also has a few Broadway people that you might know in it. Bette is a great Mama Rose!

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:20pm

Thumbs WAY up.

[Garland Grrrl]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:21pm

i hated this GYPSY-- more painful than a brazillian wax... but get it -- it's always good to have as many versions of shows as you can get your hands on.

Updated On: 9/8/05 at 05:21 PM

[BwayLeadman]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:35pm

I don't know why a lot of people hated this version.
When I found out Bette (let alone did a broadway movie musical) and it was Gypsy, I had to get it. This was actually a movie musical I've seen more than just a few times.

[Marquise]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:51pm

Who is Bette Target?

[tthomas76]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:54pm

Bette Midler maybe they saw it at Target?

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 6:09pm

Prefer the Russell version.

The Bette version is good too, but it screams TV Movie. Which it was, obviously.

[bially082]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 6:42pm

Thanks guys. I'll go pick it up.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 6:49pm

I've read that Bette never went through any sort of emotional growth in her portrayal of Rose. She started the same way in every song and just maintained the same level throughout the show. Not having seen it however, I can't report any personal reactions to it other than the fact that I love her "Rose's Turn" she gives it the real brassy balls that it needs.

[yipper]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 7:25pm

I thought it was below par.

[vbplayer]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 7:59pm

Love the Russell/Wood version. However the Midler/Target version was also done very well. You should get it.

[Mojojo5]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:37pm

I personally love the Bette tv-movie version of Gypsy. Yes, Bette does overact everything through out the film (which on the director's commentary they say is intentional because they filmed all her scenes playing for a tv camera and then as if she was performing the role on a stage and eventually only used the "play for stage" cuts) but it is Bette f-ing Midler playing Mama Rose. I mean, it is a perfect match. I love the Roz Russel version because Natalie Wood just breaks your heart as Loise, but the Midler version has a great supporting cast and doesn't try to make Rose an overly sympathetic character. Besides, Roz can't sing the role and plays her like Auntie Mame. It just doesn't work. That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

Zach

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:59pm

Roz sang MR GOLDSTONE, Most of ROSE'S TURN and SMALL WORLD Reprise.

Not a lot. but her ROSE'S TURN is amazing. She dosen't sing the end of the song, the sustained parts. But the way she says "And boys I got it" is just priceless.

Roz over Middler anyday - as actresses.

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:59pm

Roz sang MR GOLDSTONE, Most of ROSE'S TURN and SMALL WORLD Reprise.

Not a lot. but her ROSE'S TURN is amazing. She dosen't sing the end of the song, the sustained parts. But the way she says "And boys I got it" is just priceless.

Roz over Middler anyday - as actresses.

[PJ]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 11:02pm

Bette Midler makes for an atrocious Mama Rose in the acting department. Her vocals are fine, but sheesh!...she's so cartoon-like.

[ConvinceMe2]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 11:55pm

Cynthia Gibb (Louise), is the only really good person in it. Otherwise, it's a waste of time.

[Urban]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 12:03am

I am a devoted fan of Bette Midler and the musical "Gypsy", but the two of them together where 'meh' for me.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 12:06am

VERY faithful to the show, which is good because that libretto should NOT be tampered with. I'll agree that Midler isn't the greatest in the acting department. BUt she has such charisma and is amazing with her singing. The only thing I liked about the original was Natalie Wood who showed that Louise could upstage Rose if Rose wasn't played right, as is the case with Roz Russell. I agree with Mojojo5, she played it like Auntie Mame.

[Jon]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 12:34am

I thought the girl who played Dainty June in the Midler version was terrific too. The "If Momma Was Married" scene was superb.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 12:53am

I agree Jon.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 7:55am

But the direction is atrocious - every time it's Rose's solo - she steps out of the scene and literally confronts the camera (read: audience) and it is so unrealistic. I really disliked this production. Midler may be able to act, but didn't show it here. Her vocals were fine, but the mugging was completely uncalled for.

[Glebb]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 8:45am

Bette has moments but I agree, it should have been so much better than it was.

[Urban]

Posted: 9/10/05 at 11:46am

Jon - Gotta completely agree - Jennifer Rae Beck was pretty amazing, pitty though the role of Adult June is pretty small.