Bob Fosse Was a Flashdance Fan Even Though They Ripped Him Off
Not even three years ago, Paramount Home Entertainment released Flashdance on Blu-ray. The time has come to see it on 4K UHD, but revisiting the Filmmaker Focus with Adrian Lyne also reveals more good tidbits.
“I met Bob Fosse who liked the movie a lot and he let me know,” Lynesaid. “He sent me a letter and then I met him and I said, ‘You know I ripped off your lighting?’ And he said, ‘I know.’ There was a follow spotlight I put behind the comedian.”
Lyne also reveals he turned down A Chorus Line because he didn’t want to get typecast with dance movies. Later he’d be typecast by erotic adult dramas from Fatal Attraction and Indecent Proposal to Unfaithful and Deep Water.
Anyway, 4K UHD brings out the best in Flashdance. The opening shots of the Pittsburgh morning are glorious. Alex (Jennifer Beals)’s silhouette in the factory is distinct against the slick, wet walls. Her first stage dance has pitch black borders and a white center that reflects all the water splashing on her.
A workout montage is also against a pure white background that looks more like a studio than a gym. Jeanie (Sunny Johnson) ice skates against pure shadow.
The music of Flashdance also rocks in this sound mix.