MovieChat Forums > Fosse/Verdon (2019) Discussion > Who should have played Fosse?

Who should have played Fosse?

posted 5 years ago by Otter (24464)
7 replies | jump to latest

Like it so far, but am not impressed with Sam Rockwell as Fosse. Which is a first for me, as I'm usually impressed with everything he does, even in crap films like the stupid 90s "Charlie's Angels". He's striking false notes, there are moments when he seems like an actor rather than a real person, which is a first from him in my experience. Usually he's such a chameleon, he just seems to BE whoever he's playing.

Still, who else was there? He's a passable physical match and has a dance background, and it's not like there's a horde of actors out there who can dance and play aging roués. Zac Efron would not do!

[–] AtomicReturns (1252) 5 years ago

He's striking false notes, there are moments when he seems like an actor rather than a real person, which is a first from him in my experience.

Without having seen it, I can already understand what you mean here. I see that quite a few times in films. I'll always use the Meryl Streep example in Doubt. Her mannerisms and facial ticks were just too much in that movie, you end up only seeing "Meryl Streep Acting", rather than the character which should have been played in a more subdued manner.

But anyways, I did not know much about how Fosse acted in real life so unfortunately I'm not able to make any actor suggestions. For some reason I always have the image of Roy Scheider in my head, even though his All That Jazz character was a loose semi-autobiographical version of Fosse.

I was not aware of this show and had no idea Sam Rockwell/Michelle Williams were in it. I'll try to check it out - thanks for the reminder!

[–] Otter (24464) 5 years ago

There's a LONG thread about this show over at the Datalounge, and it was pointed out that Roy Scheider in "All That Jazz" wasn't an accurate representation of Fosse, the Joe Gideon of "ALJ" was what Fosse wished he was like.

In real life, Fosse was a small, skinny, skeevy, balding guy who lacked charisma in person (according to those who met him), he had nothing of Scheider's good looks or screen presence. I think Rockwell's having trouble playing a guy who was very unappealing in real life, he's trying to both be realistic and yet make the guy appealing enough to hold the audience's interest. Well, there's some sort of problem there, maybe that's it, maybe not.

[–] illnagas (457) 5 years ago

I’d disagree with your perception of fosse. I’ve read most of his biography and watched some of his interviews. He had a complicated sort of appeal. Scheider was like a movie amped up version of Fosse.

[–] Sandoz (2021) 5 years ago

Considering Fosse's first choice to play himself in ATJ was Richard Dreyfus, I think Roy Scheider did a pretty good job.

[–] snepts (11123) 5 years ago

I'm glad Scheider got to do All That Jazz. He doesn't have a very big resume, in contrast to Dreyfuss who at times I thought was over exposed. He did a lot of work as a young man and just kept going. The everyman / tough guy seems an odd choice for a dancing choreographer, but ultimately I like him just fine.

[–] snepts (11123) 5 years ago

I've liked Sam Rockwell in everything I've seen him in. Seems like he picks good projects that are outside the box.
I have no problem with Sam's portrayal of Fosse. Having to carry that mostly bald head would seem difficult to make appealing. Caught the first episode then kinda forgot about it, then in the middle of the night caught eps 4 & 5. Reminds me of Mad Men. People are constantly smoking. I also like Michelle as Gwen although the character isn't as pretty as Williams really is. I don't know what either of these people looked like in real life but I think this is a great project and a great period for American entertainment.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5960) 4 years ago

Agreed that it's good. Didn't know he could dance.

It's a very good show about them. How much the work needed both of them. The great importance they attached to the work, to the unfortunate neglect of the kid. How talented they were, and also the others around them such as Chayefsky and Simon.