Product: Funny Girl [VHS] (1968)
Rating: 5.0
Classic Barbra in all her Acting Beauty
"I'd rather be blue thinking of youI'd rather be blue over youThan be happy with somebody else..."I've always thought Barbra to be one of the most beautiful women in the world and in this movie she also radiates a stunning internal fire that I am sure still takes men's breath away. She is not only comical, cute and courageous; she displays so many qualities men love all while playing a somewhat innocent role next to the more worldly wise Nick Arnstein. The comedic elements are laugh out loud funny and the romantic scenes dramatic and heart elating or tear inducing.Together they are polar opposites drawn to each other by their differences all while recognizing the similarities in their life purpose goals. While Fanny Brice falls into luck, Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif) meets her when he is at his zenith. His love for her almost seems to make his wildly adventurous life seem less attractive and as he commits himself to his marriage, he starts to lose his Poker face. As he makes his money playing Poker, Fanny continues on her rise to the stars. Her stardom soon starts to make Nick feel insignificant and no matter what she tries to accomplish, all her plans for his success are thwarted by his pride.Part of the movie was filmed at the Jersey Central Railway Station and in the special features they show a very small portion of the filming. However, the theatre settings, country homes and train station bring rare beauty and details that only serve to enhance the romance.The vulnerability while singing "I'd Rather be Blue" is a rare scene with Streisand on lime green roller skates and purple stockings in front of dusty red curtains framing a scene of an Italian garden complete with cypress trees. And who could not love her in the Bride Scenes, which are spectacular in all their sparkling beauty and classy choreographed style. She is most beautiful in her sparkly blue outfit laughing on the red couch in front of ruby wallpapered walls as Omar sings: "You are woman, I am man, let's kiss." What decorating, what a dress! What a look on her face after being kissed. Barbra must have a thousand different facial expressions in this movie and they are all priceless.The Special Features include:Barbra in MovielandThis is StreisandSong HighlightsFilmographiesBonus TrailersI didn't think I could love a movie more than My Fair Lady or Doctor Zhivago or Gone with the Wind, but Funny Girl is romantic, musical and the costumes and settings are spectacular. Trains, true love and Barbra's gorgeous voice makes Funny Girl a dream. As a romantic comedy this is a true classic for any collector. This movie truly stole my heart as it is one of the rare moments in time where women were allowed to be vulnerable and strong within a classic portrayal of the ideal romance. Such longing...Traditional ideas about beauty have always been overrated. In reality, the people we want to be around have a great personality and a sense of humor. As one of my boyfriends from my teenage years once told me: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." To me, Barbra is stunning and brings out all the elements of feminine beauty and mystique most actors today can't touch.Just when you think the movie is going to end, there is an intermission. Thankfully! Like many of my favorite movies, I didn't want this one to end. When it does end, you may feel compelled to watch it again and again. I'm almost happy I waited over 35 years to see this movie (Well, it was made the year after I was born and "People who Love People" is part of the soundtrack of my life. Finally I understand the movie connection.) and the DVD transfer is beyond perfect.In "True Love," I fear we would all rather be blue than happy with somebody else. Isn't life funny that way? ;) No matter your political opinion, this is a movie you can escape into with complete abandon. In the end, the way the game of love works may be the most intriguing part of analyzing Funny Girl.~The Rebecca ReviewHopeless Romantic, don't try to save me!