Cabaret

Directed by Bob Fosse
Starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Marisa Berenson, Joel Grey

Revolutionary dancer and choreographer turned film director Bob Fosse brings 1931 Berlin to life, both inside and outside an underground cabaret bar, in this landmark musical for on-screen queer representation.

At the Kit Kat Klub, starry-eyed American performer Sally Bowles and an impish Emcee revel in decadent fun, while outside, the Nazi party quietly rises to power. Into their intoxicating world steps British language teacher Brian Roberts, who falls for Sally’s charm. Soon, the two find themselves embroiled in the turmoil and decadence of the era.

Launching Liza Minnelli to icon status with her spellbinding, Oscar-winning performance, this masterful musical remains a dazzling exploration of hedonism and sexual ambiguity in pre-war Berlin. Now, more than 50 years on, Cabaret continues to captivate audiences on the big screen.

Our take:

This classic Academy Award-winning musical is set against the backdrop of the Weimar Republic, a reality that slowly sinks into the world of the glittering, gaudy Kit Kat Club. Cabaret remains as horribly relevant as ever. As you watch, be swept away by its gorgeously constructed glitz and glamour, and remember: “Life is a cabaret, old chum!”

Join Reel Queer after the film for a post-screening discussion.