From the moment she walks onto the screen, to the moment she walks off ... Streisand delivers one of the most memorable performances in film history, American and otherwise. Even if you remove the musical numbers (which are extraordinary) Barbra would have been noted for a stellar performance. Her acting is phenomenal, considering she begins as a young girl trying desperately to get on the stage, ending with a mature actress and singer, secure in her career as one of the most notable stars in the industry. It's one of Hollywood's best "rags to riches" transformations. Every time Streisand comes onto the screen, we can't take our eyes off her.
But what is so memorable about this film: Streisand exhibits a remarkable ability to express both vulnerability ... and confidence. It's absolutely mind-blowing when her debut number is none other than, I'm the Greatest Star. Here is this child, knowing she doesn't look and act like the other industry starlets, yet storms into the theatre, secure in her knowledge that she's also the greatest star. We get a few glimpes that maybe she's kidding herself, but these moments are quickly overruled by her absolute surety, that she's the greatest star. Go ahead, laugh, bend in half, but you'll be sure to get it if you just watch and LISTEN.
That first number underscores the entire story about young stars knowing they have what it takes, but no one is willing to take a chance. You know you're going to see something wonderful when she says, "I've just gotta get onto the stage, somehow." This is a girl that won't take no for an answer.
From there, it's a rollercoaster of proportions only show business can provide. The young girl, awkward and loud, is a volcano of talent that the great Ziegfeld simply can't resist. He decides to trust his instincts, instructing his newfound star to do exactly what he says. After all, he knows the business better than anyone. But then comes the first, big dramatic twist. No one has better instincts than the star herself, who goes against direction to deliver what "she knows will work." Namely, "I Am the Beautiful Reflection."
What follows in absolutely hilarious, as Fanny, the bride, shows up pregnant, or "in the family way" as they said back them. The audience goes wild, Ziegfeld is furious, but admits, "I should fire you but I love talent." After that, she is given some license and we see scene after scene, song after song, of utter genius. And INSTINCTS.
Academy Award voters agreed: Streisand, in her film debut, won an Oscar for Best Actress.
But what is so memorable about this film: Streisand exhibits a remarkable ability to express both vulnerability ... and confidence. It's absolutely mind-blowing when her debut number is none other than, I'm the Greatest Star. Here is this child, knowing she doesn't look and act like the other industry starlets, yet storms into the theatre, secure in her knowledge that she's also the greatest star. We get a few glimpes that maybe she's kidding herself, but these moments are quickly overruled by her absolute surety, that she's the greatest star. Go ahead, laugh, bend in half, but you'll be sure to get it if you just watch and LISTEN.
That first number underscores the entire story about young stars knowing they have what it takes, but no one is willing to take a chance. You know you're going to see something wonderful when she says, "I've just gotta get onto the stage, somehow." This is a girl that won't take no for an answer.
From there, it's a rollercoaster of proportions only show business can provide. The young girl, awkward and loud, is a volcano of talent that the great Ziegfeld simply can't resist. He decides to trust his instincts, instructing his newfound star to do exactly what he says. After all, he knows the business better than anyone. But then comes the first, big dramatic twist. No one has better instincts than the star herself, who goes against direction to deliver what "she knows will work." Namely, "I Am the Beautiful Reflection."
What follows in absolutely hilarious, as Fanny, the bride, shows up pregnant, or "in the family way" as they said back them. The audience goes wild, Ziegfeld is furious, but admits, "I should fire you but I love talent." After that, she is given some license and we see scene after scene, song after song, of utter genius. And INSTINCTS.
Academy Award voters agreed: Streisand, in her film debut, won an Oscar for Best Actress.