Bob Fosse's semi-autobiographical film celebrates show business stripped of glitz or giddy illusions. Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider) is at the top of the heap, one of the most successful directors and choreographers in musical theatre. But he can feel his world slowly collapsing around him--his obsession with work has almost destroyed his personal life, and only his bottles of pills keep him going. As he struggles to right his relationships with his ex-wife, his lover, and his daughter, he also has to cope with his failing health. Soon it's clear he'll have to make a choice: his art--or his life. A talented director and choreographer of both film and stage, Fosse was perhaps best known for helming the film version of CABARET and creating the musical CHICAGO.
"All That Jazz" is allegedly heavily based on filmmaker Bob Fosse's own life. The film features Fosse's choreography in all of the dance scenes which are shot from many angles to give viewers an excellent view of the dance. The film credits the open heart surgery sequence to the Cardiac Surgical Team at St. Luke's Hospital Center in New York City, John E. Hutchinson III, Senior Surgeon. Dick DiBona arranged the photography for the sequence. The patient is not identified.
"Well folks, what can I tell you about my next guest? This cat allowed himself to be adored but not loved. And his success in show business was matched by failure in his personal relationships... that's where he really bombed. And he came to believe that work, love, his whole life, even himself and all that jazz, was bullshit. He became the numero uno game player, to the point where the games ended and the reality began. Like, for this cat, the only reality is death..." (O'Connor Flood, the ultimate variety show host, introducing the final appearance of Joe Gideon) "['All That Jazz'] doesn't have a chance. It's going to be mostly 'Kramer vs. Kramer'. I'm such a long shot I think anyone who bets on me should get a toaster, like they give out in banks, for having made the investment." -- Director Bob Fosse on his film's chances at the 1979 Academy Awards.
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All That Jazz
