Roy Scheider owns this movie. He definitely deserved the Oscar for which he was nominated, but didn’t win. He turns in a fantastic performance as Joe Gideon, an avatar for Fosse in this captivating tale.

Gideon is a womanizer, a father, a choreographer, a director, a drinker, and an addict. He’s also sick. But he never lets up. He pushes himself and others, whether it’s on stage, at home, or in the editing booth. It’s his vision, his rules, it’s always about him. He even does his best to make the afterlife about him, where he’s conferring with Angelique (Jessica Lange).

Featuring great choreography, the film rockets along, and all you can do is buckle up and hold on as Gideon races towards an inescapable climax. Along the way he’ll love and hurt those around him including his ex, Audrey (Leland Palmer), his girlfriend, Kate (Ann Reinking), and his daughter, Michelle (Erzsebet Foldi).

With songs, dance numbers, and some surprising supporting actors, like John Lithgow, Max Wright and Ben Vereen, All That Jazz was always on my list to get to, and now I’m glad I got to it. Scheider has always been a favorite of mine, and I love seeing him in everything and this film really lets him shine.

The film is a fevered dream of dance numbers, afterlife recollections, and a self-destructive but incredibly creative life. Gideon is constantly focused on his craft, sacrificing everything for his art, even himself.

There are times that those around him don’t get it, but it’s always something to see. And he constantly wants to perfect his craft and himself, fueling his journey with booze, drugs and women.

The three women around Gideon are all well-realized, and brought to life with grace and strength, they see Gideon’s faults and their own for continuing to care for him. Even his daughter asks him to change his ways and be her father.

But Gideon is unstoppable in his beliefs and desires. Well mostly, he’s headed for a show(life)stopping finale that is going to be a song and dance number to remember.

The film is iconic, it’s dance numbers influential, and Scheider is the heart of the storm. Everything whirls around him, he forces everyone into his gravity, all in service of his vision.

It’s a wonderful big screen realization. It’s bold, brassy, sexy, and captivating, everything you would expect from Fosse. And Scheider brings it all to vivid life, as his character runs the gamut of emotions and moments.

A powerful, smart, and incredibly well-crafted film. I waited too long to watch this one, but oh man, did I enjoy it.