Funny Face: ‘S Paradise I was never a real `fan’ of musicals until I saw Funny Face. Even then, it took a second viewing for it to really sink in. While not as exuberant as Singin’ in the Rain or as grandiose as My Fair Lady, it holds a special place in Audrey Hepburn’s heart as one of the most enjoyable performances of her career–and it shows. Audrey only had to play herself to portray Jo, the pearl trapped inside the shell of self-doubt. In many ways, this mirrored her real life at the time. Reflecting her desire for something light after the grueling War & Peace of 1955, the film is bursting at the seams with energy throughout.Sound quality-wise, the recording does leave a little to be desired. Though not pulled directly from the film as some may indicate, but rather the recording sessions that make up the film’s soundtrack, it is identical to what you’ll hear while watching it. This would be a prime candidate for a remaster.On to the tracks! If you’re reading this review, you have probably seen the film, but I feel like writing a bit for each one as a reminder.1) Overture: Funny Face/’S Wonderful/Think PinkWelcome to Funny Face! As the track begins, the listener expects an orchestral arrangement of the highlights; however, Fred Astaire politely interjects. We’re treated to a slightly up-tempo and jazzier version of the title track, which melds into a dreamlike choral interpretation of “`S Wonderful”. Also included is Kay Thompson’s classic “Think Pink,” which makes you wonder why it didn’t receive a track of its own.2) How Long Has This Been Going On?A close tie with Moon River as my favorite vocal performance of all time from Audrey Hepburn, “How Long…” encapsulates the essence of Jo at the beginning of the film. Endearingly melodramatic, it is a very meticulous performance that places importance in every word, their pace, and placement. The orchestral interlude late in the song brings up the memory of Jo’s unforgettable scene dancing with herself and the hat left behind in the wreckage of her bookshop.3) How Long Has This Been Going On? [Instrumental Reprise]A short postscript accompanies the performance involving a delicate clarinet lead following the melody of the title lyric, floating on a soft backdrop of intermittent strings.4) Funny FaceEarning its distinction as the lightest and most unassuming number on the record, the title track melds the ballroom elegance and zest of its music with the silly, cheerful spirit of its subject matter: “You fill the air with smiles, for miles and miles and miles.” My favorite part of the song is the step-ladder ascent of the strings, climbing up the scales at the climax–perfect!5) Bonjour, Paris!My favorite song on the record! “Bonjour, Paris!” is a boisterous, energetic production; in a word, BIG. It starts out with what sounds almost like the beginning to a national anthem, and leads into a snippet from the film–Jo, Dick, and Maggie display a false air of indifference to Paris upon arrival, perhaps to impress one another with their worldliness. Once separated, their true tourist curiosity is revealed. Thus begins a romanticized jaunt into Paris led by our three explorers, starting first with Dick: “I want to step out, down the Champs-Elysées…” Conspicuously (and deliberately) left absent is the Eiffel Tower, recognized by our three protagonists later in the song: “There’s something missing, I know; there’s still one place I gotta go,” whereupon they discover the same “strictly tourist” nature in each other and embrace it. If this song doesn’t put a smile on your face, I’m afraid there’s little hope that anything will.6) Clap Yo’ HandsIf each of our three stars has a signature performance on the album, “Clap Yo’ Hands” is unequivocally Kay Thompson’s. A spicy mixture of swing, jazz, and blues, peppered occasionally with scat vocals for good measure, the track is perhaps the most uncharacteristic and unexpected. It fits into the story through Dick and Maggie posing as the flamboyant, country-fried pair from “Talluh-hassee” in order to gain admittance to the empathicalist gathering. In the middle of the song comes one of my favorite moments in the film: after the brash “ringa dem bells” section, the music comes to an immediate halt. What directly follows is a light, lilting melody accompanied by a hilarious synchronized jig by the actors: “Why, we’s the two most friendly vibrations you ever seen.” Thompson proves herself to be a force to be reckoned with vocally, demonstrated by the surprisingly high note she hits at the end. Another track sure to make the surliest of surlies crack a smile.7) He Loves and She LovesThe most romantic song on the album, “He Loves and She Loves” is an ethereal, nearly percussion-less expression of Dick’s falling in love with Jo,…
Great for some I loved this soundtrack, mostly because I love the movie. Fred Astaire gives Gershwin’s songs his usual warm style and Hepburn delights with her soft unique vocals; however, this cd may not be the best choice for everyone seeking songs from Funny Face. The clips of dialogue, which do display the experience of the film, also take away from the cd’s music listening aspect. It helps tell the story, but takes away from the listening enjoyment of the common listener. If you don’t mind dialogue in your music, like me, then this is for you. If not try getting a cd with Funny Face’s wonderful songs on it. There are many cds with such songs sung by Fred Astaire and his sister Adele from the production of Funny Face they were in on Broadway during the 1920′s.
FUNNY FACE really is “S’Wonderful”!!! FUNNY FACE is still regarded as one of the most enjoyable movie musicals ever made, with a top-notch cast headed by Fred Astaire, Kay Thompson and Audrey Hepburn, with a perfect Paris location. The soundtrack album of the film is a particular delight.
Funny Face: ‘S Paradise I was never a real `fan’ of musicals until I saw Funny Face. Even then, it took a second viewing for it to really sink in. While not as exuberant as Singin’ in the Rain or as grandiose as My Fair Lady, it holds a special place in Audrey Hepburn’s heart as one of the most enjoyable performances of her career–and it shows. Audrey only had to play herself to portray Jo, the pearl trapped inside the shell of self-doubt. In many ways, this mirrored her real life at the time. Reflecting her desire for something light after the grueling War & Peace of 1955, the film is bursting at the seams with energy throughout.Sound quality-wise, the recording does leave a little to be desired. Though not pulled directly from the film as some may indicate, but rather the recording sessions that make up the film’s soundtrack, it is identical to what you’ll hear while watching it. This would be a prime candidate for a remaster.On to the tracks! If you’re reading this review, you have probably seen the film, but I feel like writing a bit for each one as a reminder.1) Overture: Funny Face/’S Wonderful/Think PinkWelcome to Funny Face! As the track begins, the listener expects an orchestral arrangement of the highlights; however, Fred Astaire politely interjects. We’re treated to a slightly up-tempo and jazzier version of the title track, which melds into a dreamlike choral interpretation of “`S Wonderful”. Also included is Kay Thompson’s classic “Think Pink,” which makes you wonder why it didn’t receive a track of its own.2) How Long Has This Been Going On?A close tie with Moon River as my favorite vocal performance of all time from Audrey Hepburn, “How Long…” encapsulates the essence of Jo at the beginning of the film. Endearingly melodramatic, it is a very meticulous performance that places importance in every word, their pace, and placement. The orchestral interlude late in the song brings up the memory of Jo’s unforgettable scene dancing with herself and the hat left behind in the wreckage of her bookshop.3) How Long Has This Been Going On? [Instrumental Reprise]A short postscript accompanies the performance involving a delicate clarinet lead following the melody of the title lyric, floating on a soft backdrop of intermittent strings.4) Funny FaceEarning its distinction as the lightest and most unassuming number on the record, the title track melds the ballroom elegance and zest of its music with the silly, cheerful spirit of its subject matter: “You fill the air with smiles, for miles and miles and miles.” My favorite part of the song is the step-ladder ascent of the strings, climbing up the scales at the climax–perfect!5) Bonjour, Paris!My favorite song on the record! “Bonjour, Paris!” is a boisterous, energetic production; in a word, BIG. It starts out with what sounds almost like the beginning to a national anthem, and leads into a snippet from the film–Jo, Dick, and Maggie display a false air of indifference to Paris upon arrival, perhaps to impress one another with their worldliness. Once separated, their true tourist curiosity is revealed. Thus begins a romanticized jaunt into Paris led by our three explorers, starting first with Dick: “I want to step out, down the Champs-Elysées…” Conspicuously (and deliberately) left absent is the Eiffel Tower, recognized by our three protagonists later in the song: “There’s something missing, I know; there’s still one place I gotta go,” whereupon they discover the same “strictly tourist” nature in each other and embrace it. If this song doesn’t put a smile on your face, I’m afraid there’s little hope that anything will.6) Clap Yo’ HandsIf each of our three stars has a signature performance on the album, “Clap Yo’ Hands” is unequivocally Kay Thompson’s. A spicy mixture of swing, jazz, and blues, peppered occasionally with scat vocals for good measure, the track is perhaps the most uncharacteristic and unexpected. It fits into the story through Dick and Maggie posing as the flamboyant, country-fried pair from “Talluh-hassee” in order to gain admittance to the empathicalist gathering. In the middle of the song comes one of my favorite moments in the film: after the brash “ringa dem bells” section, the music comes to an immediate halt. What directly follows is a light, lilting melody accompanied by a hilarious synchronized jig by the actors: “Why, we’s the two most friendly vibrations you ever seen.” Thompson proves herself to be a force to be reckoned with vocally, demonstrated by the surprisingly high note she hits at the end. Another track sure to make the surliest of surlies crack a smile.7) He Loves and She LovesThe most romantic song on the album, “He Loves and She Loves” is an ethereal, nearly percussion-less expression of Dick’s falling in love with Jo,…
Great for some I loved this soundtrack, mostly because I love the movie. Fred Astaire gives Gershwin’s songs his usual warm style and Hepburn delights with her soft unique vocals; however, this cd may not be the best choice for everyone seeking songs from Funny Face. The clips of dialogue, which do display the experience of the film, also take away from the cd’s music listening aspect. It helps tell the story, but takes away from the listening enjoyment of the common listener. If you don’t mind dialogue in your music, like me, then this is for you. If not try getting a cd with Funny Face’s wonderful songs on it. There are many cds with such songs sung by Fred Astaire and his sister Adele from the production of Funny Face they were in on Broadway during the 1920′s.
FUNNY FACE really is “S’Wonderful”!!! FUNNY FACE is still regarded as one of the most enjoyable movie musicals ever made, with a top-notch cast headed by Fred Astaire, Kay Thompson and Audrey Hepburn, with a perfect Paris location. The soundtrack album of the film is a particular delight.