Fosse/Verdon (2019) User Reviews

A Complex Collaboration Deconstructed

[atlasmb · 9/10 · 18 April 2019]

Partly due to the non-linear timeline of this series, I think it helps if the viewer is familiar with the work of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. My introduction came during the Broadway run of "Dancin' ", the amazing dance revue that inspired my love of Broadway, musical theater, and the style of Bob Fosse.

After watching the first two episodes, I am pleasantly surprised, due especially to the performance by Michelle Williams (Verdon). She seems to embody Verdon, even to the point that any issues I have with her representation of the dancing are merely quibbles. She conveys the nuances of the Fosse dance mannerisms and the subtleties of a woman who led a confused life under the influence of the infuriating Fosse.

Sam Rockwell delivers a convincing depiction of Fosse. I prefer it to the Roy Scheider portrayal in "All That Jazz". Rockwell's Fosse is meticulous, quiet, emotionally distant and possessing a ruthless honesty that manages to betray him when personal relationships get tough.

The show demonstrates the unique language of dance and style that Verdon and Fosse shared. Fosse had an addictive personality, so it is no surprise that their relationship revolved around the muse-meal ticket disjunction. Other productions have focused on a woman's love for a flawed man. "Fosse/Verdon" tells the same story and is quite believable. She clearly loves him more than he loves himself.

As with the TV show "Smash", I love the behind the scenes look at the creative processes and the personality conflicts.

Watch for Paul Reiser as Cy Feuer. In upcoming episodes, I am looking forward to the portrayal of Ann Reinking, among others.

Less Splashy But Closer to the Bone than 'All That Jazz,' Worth Watching

[kckidjoseph-1 · 7/10 · 1 May 2019]

"Fosse/Verdon," a miniseries on the FX cable network, is a well above-average show business biopic starring Sam Rockwell (Oscar winner, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri") as director-choreographer Bob Fosse, and Michelle Williams ("Manchester By the Sea," "My Week with Marilyn," four-time Oscar nominee) as actress and dancer Gwen Verdon.

Rockwell and Williams, actors who can each change their screen personas dramatically, bring an authenticity both ebullient and tormented to the story of the legendary couple's troubled personal and professional relationship.

Set against faithfully restaged moments from their stage and movie hits, productions ranging from "Damn Yankees" and "Sweet Charity" to "Cabaret," the miniseries does what show business has always done enthusiastically, and well -- turn inward, both celebrating and condemning itself in an almost voyeuristic way.

The show biz odds and ends presented here and there are accurate, but later generations who weren't around when Fosse and Verdon were in their prime producing these hits will unquestionably view the pair's work in an entirely different light after viewing this miniseries, which in some ways seems unfortunate. It could color and taint one's appreciation of their undeniable individual brilliance.

You'll have to decide whether that's something you want to do, but either way, there's no denying this is a top-notch effort in exploring who they were and what went on behind the scenes. It begs the question of how performers can so compartmentalize, performing at such a high level even as their personal lives are in tatters.

The 1979 theatrical release "All That Jazz," a popular and critically acclaimed semi-autobiographical musical drama directed by Fosse, inspired by his manic effort to edit his film "Lenny" while simultaneously staging the 1975 Broadway musical "Chicago," is bigger and splashier, but this production (based on Sam Wasson's much-praised biography, "Fosse") cuts closer to the bone, probably because both central characters are gone now (Fosse died in 1987, Verdon in 2000).

Expect to hear about "Fosse/Verdon" at awards time, and deservedly so.

The Perfectionist

[lavatch · 8/10 · 10 April 2019]

In this television series, there is a fascinating approach to the partnership of Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse in the competitive world of dance. The program skips around in time through the memories of Fosse, as he reflects on his career.

The filmmakers have chosen to start with the Fosse-Verdon collaboration on the film version of "Sweet Charity." The film bombed at the box office, but many believe it was an overlooked gem. The program makes it clear that Verdon was bypassed for the lead in the film due to the casting of movie star Shirley MacLaine. Verdon starred in the role on Broadway, but the disappointment does not seem to register in Gwen. If she felt hurt by the casting decision, it is not apparent in the program. The careful set-ups and compositional choices of Fosse are highlighted in the lengthy opening scene, and it is clear that Verdon is contributing to the artistry of the choreography.

The conceit of the film is to count down the years remaining in the pressure-packed life of the hard-driving perfectionist dancer-choreographer-director Fosse, starting with nineteen. The implication is the series will be charting the final two decades of Fosse's career. A flashback sequence suggests that little Bobby may have been an abused child in the way that he was pushed in his early training. Of course, that dictatorial manner would eventually become the signature style of Fosse himself as a perfectionist.

We follow the chain-smoking Fosse to Munich and the filming of "Cabaret." We observe his initiative and pushiness in bypassing Cy Feuer and courting the producer Manny Woolf to land the job of director. A good Liza Minnelli look-alike appears in the rehearsals for "Mein Herr." Fosse scours the streets of Munich for prostitutes to provide a realistic ambience for the Kit Kat Klub.

The autobiographical "All That Jazz" featured an excellent Roy Scheider in a film directed by Fosse himself. Sam Rockwell looks more like Fosse, but his performance lacks Scheider's bite. This is important because the dark side of Fosse shows up in his dazzling, sleazy choreography. Michelle Williams is a good study of Verdon. But does she have the dancing chops necessary to sustain her role through an entire series?

The callousness of Fosse is apparent as he casually dismisses performers, and he is the dirty old man, constantly leering and on the lookout not only for fresh new dancing talent, but for opportunities for philandering. This is not your spokesperson for the #MeToo movement.

The programs are successful in depicting the often stormy relationship of Fosse and Verdon. In one of the most memorable moments in Episode 2, Verdon is beginning her intimate relationship with Fosse at a time when Fosse's wife, Joan McCracken, is terminally ill. A brilliant dancer in her own right as part of the ground-breaking musical "Oklahoma!", McCracken was the single most important influence on Fosse's career, persuading him to give up his misbegotten pipe dream of becoming the next Fred Astaire and encouraging him to focus on choreography and directing. In Verdon's contemplation of her conundrum of sleeping with a married man, Williams delivers a priceless reading of the line, "I can't take away a dying woman's husband," as she then proceeds to do exactly that!

For those who know the two of them

[danielnarcisopereira · 10/10 · 15 May 2019]

I think this series is for those who know something about these two great artists. It´s a little gem. Michelle Williams (Verdon) IS Gwen Verdon. She´s astonishing in the part. Enjoyable.

'Razzle Dazzle'

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 13 June 2020]

'Razzle Dazzle' Two of the most gifted artists of the time - choreographer/dance/director Bob Fosse and actress/dancer Gwen Verdon - are brought to life in this exceptional miniseries FOSSE/VERDON - a title that could just as easily been VERDON/FOSSE, so intertwined and interdependent were these two extraordinary people. Michelle Williams is pitch-perfect as Verdon - in looks, amazingly fine dancing and body movement and acting, and Sam Rockwell is equally impressive as Fosse, again able to dance extremely well and act a difficult part of a man at odds with his inclinations.

The series becomes a bit disconcerting at times, due to the seemingly haphazard fast forward and fast backward at crucial moments in the depicting the rocky relationship and marriage as Fosse and Verdon grow and deflate as a couple, in life and on stage. Fosse's genius is abetted by Verdon's input and influence, making the viewer at times puzzled as to the primary force in their position as pioneers in American entertainment.

The assorted entourage of actors portraying the people involved in the couple's lives offers strong support and the performing aspects of the songs and dance numbers exhumes great memories of shows such as CABARET, DAMN YANKEES, SWEET CHARITY. CAN-CAN, CHICAGO, and ALL THAT JAZZ. The psychological problems these two encounter are many, but Williams and Rockwell make them all credible. This is a fine biographical, musically enhanced 'docudrama.'

great acting

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 29 May 2019]

Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell) is the legendary American choreographer and director for Broadway and the big screen. Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams) is his third wife, his dancer, and his artistic partner. This FX series examines the couple's relationship in eight episodes. Each one follows an aspect of their lives together.

The easiest praise is that Rockwell and Williams are great. That's a given. They are great actors. The structure of the show is somewhat different. It's not a straight linear story telling. It deals more with a single subject per episode. It takes some getting used to. At first, I couldn't take the way the show presents time in its text. It's some weird artsy indirect thing. I just want the date and year. Once I got used to it, it becomes a minor annoyance. The good aspect is that it narrows the focus of the episode. It's an intriguing way to do an bio mini-series. There is also the great acting.

great

[Kirpianuscus · 14 March 2020]

More than the story, the acting is the source of fascination. Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell are just admirable. The atmosphere, embroidery of music, image and make-up is great. A serie like a perfect past travel. And something easy to define more as magic than hommage.

Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon is brilliant.

[Screenthoughts · 9/10 · 25 November 2020]

The 8 part series "Fosse/Verdon" on FX , takes us into the world of Broadway's iconic couple: director/choreographer Bob Fosse and singer/actress/dancer, Gwen Verdon.

The project based on the biography "Fosse" by Sam Wasson, who captures both the creative and personal turmoil that surrounded their partnership. In spite of infidelity, drug use and a massive ego, Gwen Verdon stayed loyal to the creative genius that was Bob Fosse. In fact, we find she was his muse and extremely responsible for many of his successful projects, including "Sweet Charity" and "Cabaret", which won 8 Oscars, including Best Director for Fosse.

"Fosse/Verdon" shows us once again how exploitative the entertainment industry has been for women. Fosse is revealed as a predator who uses his power to coerce women into sexual trysts. His addiction to drugs, cigarettes and sex almost took his life in the 70's when he had a massive heart attack.

This show is heavy on quick flashes to show the respective backstories of the duo before they met. Their talent and was evident-- even as young kids. It led them to New York in the 50's and greatness, but not before their innocence was stripped away in the pursuit.

Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon is brilliant. This project shows once again the chameleon she is onscreen. We see how strong Verdon was-and at times, just as manipulative as Fosse. Sam Rockwell's performance was fine (episode 6 was the highlight), but it's Wiilliams that makes "Fosse/Verdon" worth watching. The creative team behind this series includes director Thomas Kail and Lin-Manuel Miranda, both of another Broadway show-- "Hamilton". The "behind the scenes" rehearsals they create for shows like "Chicago" are exceptional. If you're a theater enthusiast, it's another good reason to see this series.

Love Acting, Hate Storytelling

[matthewtessnear · 7/10 · 28 May 2019]

Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon had such an interesting relationship. This Fx telling puts forth great acting and production. Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams are just stellar in their portrayals. The costuming and makeup are spot on. The cinematography is strong. But the choices in writing to make the timeline so dysfunctional and spastic is maddening. You are well-informed throughout but title cards when you're seeing the action take place, but such out-of-order production leaves me wanting more clarity. I'm old fashioned, but I benefit from a linear timeline.

Team Work

[Intermissionman_ · 8/10 · 25 May 2019]

One episode to Go but really think that FX did a terrific job putting together this Production !! I am going to sign up for FX plus so I can watch from start to finish without interruptions. Comment further, then......also having fun researching these real characters.

Up there with JUDY

[christophersarles · 7/10 · 1 November 2020]

After the first scene you forget you're not watching the soap opera that was fosse/verdon. Sam Rockwell in what is perhaps the best role of his life, and the transformative Michelle Williams bring all the dirt and glamor and greasepaint that was 1970s broadway to life. A must see for anyone who lived it or who is just curious about an era we will never see again. Celebrities are just people, who get sad, and have good and bad things happen every day. Couple that with an almost voyeur-istic look at the making of some of the greatest entertainment in a century and you have this series.

Captivating

[sharonful · 9/10 · 9 May 2019]

Michelle Williams & Sam Rockwell are amazing. That's all I can say. Just watch!

I could have danced all night..... I could have danced all night

[Ed-Shullivan · 7/10 · 2 February 2020]

Another biographical film/mini-series that borders between interesting and sheer boredom. Sam Rockwell plays director/choreographer Bob Fosse, and Michelle Williams plays actress Gwen Verdon. Fosse and Verdon eventually married each other, and with some difficulty in the conception they eventually had a daughter together. This TV mini-series is sprinkled with a bit too much of on stage musical rehearsals, but minimal full end song and dance numbers as the finished product.

In real life actress Gwen Verdon had flaming red hair and a quaver in her voice which Michelle Williams tried to impersonate. As far as Michelle Williams appearance with wig of red hair she kept reminding me more of Shirley MacLaine than Gwen Verdon. What was most irritating throughout this mini-series was Michelle Williams attempting to nail down Gwen Verdon's quavering voice characteristic. Instead though Michelle Williams was either whispering through half the film, or sounding more like an aging Katherine Hepburn.

Love, music, dance, marriage, Broadway awards, birth of a daughter, extra-marital affairs, mental illness, divorce, friendship, health problems and hardship follows throughout their complicated relationship. All in all it is worth watching, but by no means is this a memorable award winning TV mini-series.

Out of Balance

[fdbjr · 5/10 · 19 April 2019]

The series is interesting, but wildly out of balance. Fosse is portrayed by Rockwell as an absolutely charmless ego maniac. It's a wonder that anyone would work with him. But, while there is no doubt that he was an incorrigible Don Juan, more than one observer was struck by the loyalty just about all of his women had for him, regardless. After he died, Gwen Verdon said that the tragedy of Fosse's life was that 'he gave so much to others, but no one ever gave back to him'.

If you are watching the series and read that last statement with disbelief considering how Fosse is portrayed, you understand the weakness of the presentation. Bob Fosse could definitely be a self-centered SOB. But the women in his life loved him, despite his obvious flaws. He must have had considerable charm and warmth. The #metoo age is sometimes a bit too simplistic.

[Edit: After 7 episodes, it's worse. Fosse is absolutely charmless, and portrayed as jealous of Verdon's celebrity, AFTER he'd won an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy in the same year. Gimme a break.]

The most underrated dancer!!

[timetraveller8 · 8/10 · 19 April 2019]

I knew about Bob Fosse as a choreographer but had no idea he was such a talented dancer. Both protagonists are spot on in their performances. Michelle Williams is incredible. You can't see any differences and the real Verdon if you watch original footage of Verdon dancing.

As an Astaire enthusiast I never thought that I would say Fosse was better although he did copy many of Astaire's moves.

Anyone who loves dance and musicals will love this series.

FX Hits it Out of the Park Again

[bshaef · 19 April 2019]

This is a great series. The way I can tell just two episodes in, is that when I start watching it, the hour passes in about five minutes. I can count on one hand the number of TV series that I have felt that way about. The last one was The Americans. I really enjoy the music and dancing even though there hasn't been much of either yet. If the remaining six episodes are anywhere near as good as the first two, FX will win some awards with this.

All That Jazz-the Extended Cut

[bmcraec · 8/10 · 5 December 2021]

For anyone who has seen and enjoyed the 1979 semi-autobiographical film directed by Fosse, starring Roy Schneider and Fosse's last partner, Ann Reinking, this series will flesh out the saga. Rockwell and Williams do great turns as the titular characters, and the supporting cast playing so many luminaries of the stage and screen is both educational and entertaining.

Love It

[mrswms · 10/10 · 12 April 2019]

I've watched this episode 4 times already and I can't wait for the next one!!!

good drama in the world of musicals & broadway shows, 7 Eps in.

[webwizardbe · 8/10 · 30 May 2019]

For starters this ain't a light drama, it's even a bit darkish, so it's that kind of show you like or not. If you don't like episode 1, this show ain't for you.

I'm one of the people who likes the show. It's well produced and the actors do a flawless job. It's a well blended mix of show life, hard reality, troubled relationships, psychological hardships and sometimes it's even straight out harsh in it's realism.

My only critisism is that they could have told the story in 6 or 7 episodes. And I'm not referring with that to the pace of an individual episode. As almost everybody knows something "happens" to Fosse, and they drag it out in episode 6. Therefore I took my rating from 9 to 8. I still have to watch the last episode, but ok a weak or strong ending, I dont care anymore 'cause overall I enjoyed the show a lot.

Great Broadway Legends - warts and all

[tm-sheehan · 7/10 · 16 July 2019]

I'm really glad we didn't cancel our Foxtel subscription now that Fox Showcase are screening some terrific mini series simultaneously with the U.S.A

I reviewed this series after one episode so after seeing it all and while still enjoying it I must deduct a rating point mainly for the script which at times makes you dislike Fosse intently while in my opinion minimising Gwen Verdon's contribution to the Broadway stage.

Fosse and Verdon- the tell all (at times tell too much) story of the great Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse and his once wife and lifelong friend the fabulous Broadway dancer and performer who originated the roles of Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity and Roxy Hart In Chicago. The 2 main actors in this series Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell give superb performances and the dance sequences are faultless . My only criticism is that the series seems to dwell too much on Fosse's womanising ,drug dependant and unpleasant personality and not enough on Gwen Verdon's great accomplishments in her career .I would have liked more musical numbers from her other shows like RedHead and especially mention the great tribute that Broadway gave her when she died by dimming all the lights on Broadway and crowning her the Greatest Dancer to ever brighten the Broadway stage but it's really good television.

Entertaining

[elmoslively · 9/10 · 22 May 2019]

What makes this show really great is the fantastic acting of Williams and Rockwell. They're just perfection!

There's No Business Like Show Business

[tm-sheehan · 7/10 · 20 June 2019]

Some professional film reviewers like my favourite David Stratton don't review Television productions I think it's a pity especially today when the standard of some television series far exceed some the current offerings at the cinema. This is reflected in the calibre of the actors and production that is evident in series like Fosse and Verdon ,Big Little Lies, Gentleman Jack and Years and Years.

Fosse and Verdon stars Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse one of the most famous Broadway and movie musical choreographers of the 20th Century and the incredibly talented Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon . When Verdon died at 75 in 2000, Broadway's marquee lights dimmed in her honor, and The New York Times coronated her "the best dancer ever to brighten the Broadway stage.

This Tele series covers the great triumphs of both the main characters from the beginning of their passionate and creative relationship . Gwen Verdon became Fosse 'S third wife and this terrific script ( so far anyway ) follows Fosse 's rise as the most sought after Broadway choreographer and director of shows like Pyjama Game ,Dam Yankees ,Cabaret (film) Chicago and his greatest collaboration with wife Gwen Verdon Sweet Charity.

To put it mildly Fosse was a womaniser and in today's Me Too era probably would have been called out for his indiscretions but as depicted so far in this series Verdon and Fosse were a creative force very rarely seen on Broadway and they seemed to roll with the punches.

This FX production,which also made Feud the terrific Bette Davis Joan Crawford series spares no expense to bring to life and recreate the lavish show numbers performed in the lifetime of Fosse and Verdon and the cast is excellent.

I'm still trying to find out if Kelli Barrett who is cast brilliantly as Liza Minnelli does her own singing? ( it's not Liza singing) I suspect she does but even if not her portrayal is amazing ,especially in the Mein Herr number from Cabaret.

There's No Business Like Show Business.

we stand on the shoulders of giants

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 19 March 2020]

You may have heard of "Cabaret" and "All That Jazz", but you might not know the man behind them. Bob Fosse was a genius, a philanderer, a pill-popper, and other things. "Fosse/Verdon" looks at his career and that of Gwen Verdon, his wife and collaborator. Numerous other people appear in their work, but the focus remains Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and Verdon (Michelle Williams, in an Emmy-winning role). A fine production in every way. Life is beautiful here, so spend a little time with this series!

Too Many Tour Jetés (Jumps)

[westsideschl · 6/10 · 30 September 2019]

Might have gotten another star, but the lack of subtitles for the elderly, disabled, hearing impaired, and ESL viewers is disrespectful & cheap on the part of the producers. Especially when audio & enunciation is off. Dialogue is important!

Would have liked to have seen more on producing, writing, choreography of shows by our two main characters. Spent, although supposedly accurate, too much time on romantic/sexual events, and rather mundane socializing. Excessively frequent flashbacks jumping to different time periods and for several of our characters was disruptive to the flow of the story. Closing seemed abrupt, but suppose they'll fill in the holes in season 2.

Not Fosse-ish Enough and Boy, Were They BOTH Out for Themselves

[kim_shea_berg · 5/10 · 31 May 2019]

So, I love Bob Fosse and I love Sam Rockwell. I thought I'd love this show. Not so. I did watch all episodes and, in general, was entertained, but it wasn't Fosse-ish enough. What does that mean? Well, Fosse was meticulous with every move, every tilt of the head, every hip movement. We didn't get that in any of the dance scenes. And as for the dance scenes, well, there weren't enough of them.

But onto the acting. Michelle Williams sounded just like Gwen Verdon, but she certainly didn't move like her. And Rockwell didn't move like Fosse, though he got better as the series went on. I guess I expected great dancing given it's about Fosse after all, but, alas, that was a letdown.

I definitely learned some stuff about their lives that I never knew, so that was good. But what I most learned was that they both were so narcissistic. Everyone is quick to say Fosse was a scoundrel - but Verdon? She abandoned her first born - and as best we can tell, never looked back. And she clearly put her career ahead of her daughter which ultimately led that daughter down a road of drugs and rehabilitation.

Is this series worth watch? Sure. Is it going to win awards? Probably. Do I want to watch All that Jazz now and get my Fosse fix. Yup.