The Jazz Singer (1980 film)

The Jazz Singer (1980 film)
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Name	The Jazz Singer
Director	Richard Fleischer
Producer	Jerry Leider
Writer	Herb Jaffe, Andrew J. Fenady
Starring	Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, Lucie Arnaz, Catlin Adams
Music	Neil Diamond
Cinematography	Isidore Mankofsky
Editing	Maury Winetrobe, Frank J. Urioste
Studio	EMI Films
Released	December 19, 1980
Runtime	115 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$25 million
Gross	$27.1 million

The Jazz Singer (1980 film) is a musical film directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, Lucie Arnaz, and Catlin Adams. The film is a remake of the 1927 film of the same name, which was directed by Alan Crosland and starred Al Jolson. The 1980 version was produced by Jerry Leider and written by Herb Jaffe and Andrew J. Fenady. The film features music by Neil Diamond, who also starred in the lead role of Yussel Rabinovitch, a young cantor who dreams of becoming a jazz singer.

Production

The production of the film began in 1979, with Neil Diamond being cast in the lead role of Yussel Rabinovitch. The film was directed by Richard Fleischer, who had previously directed films such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Soylent Green. The screenplay was written by Herb Jaffe and Andrew J. Fenady, who drew inspiration from the original 1927 film. The film was produced by Jerry Leider and EMI Films, and was shot on location in New York City and Los Angeles. The film's cinematography was handled by Isidore Mankofsky, who had previously worked on films such as The Muppet Movie and Somewhere in Time. The film's editing was handled by Maury Winetrobe and Frank J. Urioste, who had previously worked on films such as Apocalypse Now and Rocky II.

Plot

The plot of the film follows Yussel Rabinovitch, a young cantor who dreams of becoming a jazz singer. Yussel Rabinovitch is played by Neil Diamond, who must navigate the challenges of pursuing his dream while also dealing with the expectations of his family and community. The film features a range of musical numbers, including Neil Diamond's hit songs America and Love on the Rocks. The film also stars Laurence Olivier as Cantor Rabinovitch, Yussel Rabinovitch's father, and Lucie Arnaz as Molly, a young woman who becomes Yussel Rabinovitch's love interest. The film's plot is a classic tale of following one's dreams, and features a range of themes and motifs, including identity, community, and family.

Cast

The cast of the film includes Neil Diamond as Yussel Rabinovitch, Laurence Olivier as Cantor Rabinovitch, Lucie Arnaz as Molly, and Catlin Adams as Rabbi, a young woman who becomes Yussel Rabinovitch's friend and confidant. The film also features a range of supporting actors, including Franklyn Ajaye as Bubba, a jazz musician who becomes Yussel Rabinovitch's mentor, and Paul Nicholas as Keith Lennox, a music producer who helps Yussel Rabinovitch launch his career. The film's cast is a talented and diverse group of actors, and features a range of Academy Award winners and nominees, including Laurence Olivier and Neil Diamond.

Music

The music for the film was written and performed by Neil Diamond, who is a renowned singer-songwriter and musician. The film features a range of Neil Diamond's hit songs, including America, Love on the Rocks, and Hello Again. The film's soundtrack was released in 1980, and features a range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and pop music. The film's music was arranged and conducted by Gilbert Bécaud, who is a French singer-songwriter and pianist. The film's music features a range of instruments, including piano, guitar, and drums, and was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Neil Diamond's performance and the film's music, while others criticized the film's plot and direction. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $27 million at the box office, and helped to establish Neil Diamond as a major film star. The film has since become a cult classic, and is widely regarded as one of the best musical films of the 1980s. The film has been praised by critics such as Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, who praised the film's music and Neil Diamond's performance. The film has also been recognized by organizations such as the American Film Institute and the Library of Congress, which have selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry. Category:1980 films