Director: Steven Kloves
Screenplay: Steven Kloves
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Beau Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer
Country: USA
Running Time: 114 minutes
Year: 1989
When sibling musicians meet a sultry songbird, the brothers find their act – and their lives – growing more entertaining than either of them may be able to handle.
A satisfying unshowy film, The Fabulous Baker Boys sits somewhere between a romantic comedy and a film noir, committing to neither but instead focusing on beautifully written performances informed by both. On the evidence of this film alone, it is a pity Steve Kloves didn’t direct more; he understood how to give his cast space, while touches of pure classical filmmaking skill give this film a hidden spark.
The steady plot follows brothers Jack and Frank Baker (Jeff and Beau Bridges) as their club lounge piano act runs out of steam. And enthusiasm on younger Jack’s part, who prefers traditional jazz and waitresses.
Seeing the Bridges acting together is the film’s first treat. They work together beautifully. Jeff has since enjoyed a more showy career with iconic roles such as the Dude or Rooster Cogburn. Here though, he ably shares the screen with an emotionally charged performance from older brother Beau. I dare say he has the tougher part, providing the film with its modest, initial drive.
It is Beau’s Frank who decides they need to liven up the act with a singer. In comes Michelle Pfeiffer and the dynamic in every regard shifts. The film’s agile script shifts its weight from just Frank, to Jack’s frustration, embodied by a simmering Susie Diamond. A Femme Fatale of sorts, intentionally or not, Susie redefines the future of the act. And that of the brothers too.
Possibly Pfeiffer’s finest role to date, the film’s most famous scene is thankfully not hers to bear alone. Her lithe, sexy performance literally draped over Jack’s piano, is presented as purely as possible by Kloves using an uncut, 360 degree tracking shot. It’s an incredible scene in every sense. Kloves demonstrates more attention to detail elsewhere with a lovely, indulgent split-diopter shot.
The Fabulous Baker Boys shares a lot of DNA with Pretty Woman. Even sharing some locations. But it has a more sombre tone and a dalliance with realism. Its reputation, like the film itself, is quiet and earned.
VIDEO
The Fabulous Baker Boys hasn’t been well treated on home video, so this fine, HD presentation on Blu-Ray from Imprint is very welcome. It’s a solid presentation. Michael Ballhaus’ muted palette is becoming of the film’s slight lean towards Noir, detail and contrast are nevertheless faithful.
EXTRA FEATURES
Two excellent audio commentaries dig into both the method and reputation of this fine film. It’s a rewarding listen. The remaining extras are modest, though the isolated score is effective for some of the music performances.
- 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
- Audio commentary with writer/director Steve Kloves and film historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman (2015)
- Audio commentary with director of photography Michael Ballhaus (1998)
- Isolated Music & Effects track
- Deleted scenes
- Archival interviews with Michelle Pfeiffer, Beau Bridges & Steve Kloves
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Stereo