Burlesque films to snuggle in with this weekend
I'm often asked by students about the best burlesque inspired films. So for what it's worth here are my burlesque-showgirl inspired flicks that I turn to on a dreary day.
Spoiler alert: I’m not including the Burlesque movie (not that it’s not worth a watch) or anything too cliche. I wanted to give you some inspiration a bit out of the box.
Cabaret
If you haven't seen this film you must have been stuck under a rock. Liza Minnelli's career making (maybe breaking - she's never done anything this good since) film.
Bob Fosse choreographed, who got his start in burlesque. The fishnets, makeup, backstage. All so authentic to burlesque.
Moreover the score, the script, the performances are just spell binding. It's a classic film for a reason. Set in a burlesque club in Weimar Republic Era Berlin, it ticks all my boxes for a great film (firstly) that was my first eye opener as a young child into burlesque.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
The ultimate B Grade musical. We all know the Time Warp. But that's probably the worst song in the film. It's camp, trashy, cheesy and sexy. And it has Tim Curry in Fishnets and Meat Loaf. I mean nothing is better
Get a fix with "Sweet Transvestite", "Touch A Touch A Touch Me" instead. Whatever you do, don't see the Glee version. You're eyes will burn.
Mrs Henderson Presents
You cannot see a bad Judi Dench movie. This British comedy is set in World War Two Britain, delves into the history of the famous Windmill Theatre ( "We Never Closed"). It shows glimpses of burlesque entertainment in the revue show, with the inclusion of Moulin Rouge style nudity to improve the theatre's fortunes.Costume, music and performances are bang on.
Victor Victoria
A performer in drag. Do those four words say it all? No? How about if I throw in Julie Andrews?
She is truly fantastic. The songs are great and the COSTUMES! Wow. I also just fantasize about the club being my own personal venue. It's underrated as far as musicals go I think, but it's a top pick from me!
Chicago
Okay so this one is a cliche. But i's worth seeing just for Catherine Zeta Jones. She is absolutely incredible in this screen adaptation of the show, Chicago. Fame, fishnets, crime, A kicking soundtrack. If I had a dollar for every burlesque performer that's used something from this soundtrack, I'd be a wealthier woman than I am today.
All that Jazz
You'll see a theme. A Bob Fosse theme. I am slightly obsessed to be fair. But his whole body of work is so inspired by burlesque - the dancers banter, the makeup, postures and raw sexiness is just embedded in all the musicals. This is my favourite (Sandra Berhnardt!). Semi-autobiographical. The raunchy "Take off With Us" sets the tone from the beginning. Hallucination, fantasy, bargaining with death. It's big themes, but fused with an amazing score, dance numbers and great performances.
(Note: spot a young Jessica Lange!)
Lenny
Ahem. Fosse mania continues.This autobigoraphical flick focuses on the comedian of Lenny Bruce - spiralling down on drugs, sex and debt. It's most interesting to me because it covers his interesting relationship with his wife (stripper) Honey, and their work together in strip clubs - places where he could do his "obscene" comedy.
The Big Town
Set in the late 1950s, it focuses on a 'crapshooter' played by Matt Dillon. His relationship with Lorry Dane, the stripper wife of the owner of the strip club is smoking. This isn’t going to be the best film you'll ever see. But Diane Lane is a showstopper, and stands out with a super seductive fan dance to the burlesque classic "Harlem Nocturne"
Tournee
Starring and directed by Mathieu Amalric, it co-stars legends of the new burlesque scene (Dirty Martini, Mimi Le Meaux, Evie Lovelle and Julie Atlas Muz). Documentary style, the film follows Amalric as he tours the burlesque cast across France. Sweet, funny - but the highlights are the snippets of the burlesque performances of course!
Honourable Mentions:
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Ziegfeld Girl
The Dolly Sisters
Cover Girl
Damn Yankees
The Notorious Bettie Page
Striptease
I hope this gives you a good start for something to curl up with one dreary weekend. Especially if you need to reignite your passion.
I haven’t even covered documentaries! If you’d like me to, or you want some out of the box ideas, let me know in the comments.