Funny Girl - A Movie Review

Say what you say and keep building your career to success.

Funny Girl debuted in theaters in 1968. Fanny Brice is finally being recognized for her unconventional talent. As she rises to stardom, she navigates the challenges of love, fame, and self-discovery in Vaudeville and Broadway during the early 20th century.

Funny Girl is a timeless classic. I saw a stage version a few years ago and was excited to watch the movie. It teaches viewers how to accomplish goals. The film adaptation of Funny Girl is an excellent example of a woman leading her way through show business.

Barbra Streisand is incredible in her debut performance as Fanny Brice. Streisand guided her character with charisma and commanding vocals. Her comedic side was also on point. Fanny is an important female character. You have to navigate your way, especially in show business.

While Streisand dominated the character, off-screen she wasn’t so easy to get along with. Streisand was late to filming on most days and added opinions when not necessary. She liked taking the reigns as director, testing the patience of William Wyler.

A talented ensemble starred in Funny Girl. Omar Sharif was terrific in his role. More credits include Kay Medford, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon, and other dancing women. Mae Questal, the voice of the iconic Betty Boop has a small role.

Did you know Funny Girl was the most expensive film made in 1968? The film beautifully highlights the essence of the 20s era. When I starred in a musical set in the 20s era, I loved researching all the wardrobes and hairstyles.

We’re transported into the vibrant and exciting world of Broadway. The production design and costumes are impeccable, immersing the audience in the glitz and glamour of show business during that time. Viewers are also treated to lively dance numbers along with one roller-blading number. The actors in this scene were remarkable!

Viewers are also treated to show-stopping musical numbers. Songs include “I’m the Greatest Star,’ ‘People,’ and ‘You are Woman, I am Man.’ At the theater I work at, they performed Funny Girl the first year I worked there. I looked forward to listening to ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ every time. Streisand belted this powerful song.

The making of Funny Girl was not without its challenges. Aside from criticism about Streisand’s behavior onset, William Wyler had never directed a musical. Wyler’s direction created a cinematic triumph and exceptional talents from the cast. It mixes drama and comedy well. My favorite scene is when the director bids for Fanny only to bid too far in his price range.

One flaw is that it’s too long. At 2 1/2 hours long, certain subplots could have been trimmed. The romantic relationship between Fanny and Nicky Arnstein (Sharif) consumes too much of the film. The actors had great chemistry, but the story would have faired better without the romance. The story lost momentum, detracting focus from Fanny’s career.

The story also glossed over important facts about Brice’s life that would have been more interesting. This film paved the way for Streisand’s career but could have conducted a more genuine representation of the real figure.

Funny Girl deserves praise for its feminist undertones. It’s a progressive film for its time. The early 20th century was a tough period for women. In Fanny’s determined nature, embrace your path and lead your way to success. The film distributes a positive message about guiding your way

Funny Girl is an entertaining watch for all audiences. Older movies like Funny Girl deserve to stay in the mainstream.