DVD Review: Funny Face (50th Anniversary Edition)

Written by Caballero Oscuro

Fifty years after its theatrical release, Funny Face retains its charm and offers a few new revelations.

Unlike Audrey Hepburn’s earliest star turns in the black-and-white classics Roman Holiday and Sabrina, Funny Face thrust her into a vivid Technicolor world awash in vibrant hues. The film’s dramatic use of color is evident right from the beginning scenes in the eye-popping offices of the fashion magazine that makes her a star, and continues through to its elegant Paris locations in the final act. If it’s been a long time since you revisited the film, you’re almost certain to be surprised by its stunning color that puts most of today’s films to shame.

A fresh viewing of the film also points out how much the current TV hit Ugly Betty owes to it. Audrey Hepburn plays a mousy, unfashionable young woman who stumbles into the world of high fashion through her accidental involvement with a fashion magazine, then falls in love with an unconventional member of the magazine’s staff. Sound familiar? While it’s still a classic Cinderella/A Star Is Born story, it’s nearly impossible to avoid drawing the comparison to the current TV show.

Hepburn was in her late 20s during production, while her romantic interest played by Fred Astaire was in his late 50s. This odd pairing still bends all manner of credibility, making it difficult for audiences to invest in their relationship. To his credit, Astaire was still astoundingly spry on his feet, turning in some brief fancy dance moves while mustering up a high amount of charm, but their relationship still seems far-fetched even for the movies.

The film boasted a soundtrack by the legendary George and Ira Gershwin, providing some additional firepower to an already formidable array of talent. While the featured songs aren’t exactly their best work, they add a touch of class and sass that greatly benefits the production.

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for el-bicho

Article Author: El Bicho

El Bicho writes for a number of movie web sites, including Cinema Sentries, which he runs for the geniuses of Forwerd Media. He also occasionally cleans up around here. Follow at twitter.com/ElBicho_CS

Visit El Bicho's author pageEl Bicho's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for Feb 14, 2012

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for January

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs