From the stages of Broadway musicals came one of the most adventurous and innovative editorial directors, and that adventurousness peaked with Bob Fosse’s 1979 autobiographical film. On this episode is the esteemed editor Keith Fraase, discussing:
the 8½-inspired sub-genre of directors making autobiographical movies about them making movies;
the Fosse/Verdon mini-series;
Sam Wasson’s book from which it’s based;
Fosse’s streak of Cabaret through Jazz as a model of the American musical maturing on film;
how the hell a Broadway choreographer learned to edit like that;
and how the answer actually makes sense.
Also:
how legendary editor Alan Heim felt constrained by the shooting style;
Fosse’s influence on Michael Jackson;
Keith’s foundational love of the Jesus Christ Superstar film;
and how engaging in an autobiographical production doesn’t quite solve ones problems in life.
Keith Fraase has edited such narratives features as Knight of Cups, Song to Song, and Chappaquiddick, along with the documentaries Voyage of Time and Long Strange Trip. He lives in New York City, NY with his family.
All That Jazz is not currently streaming or available to rent online, but is on DVD and Blu-ray from Criterion.