Movie Monday Nov. 29: Funny Face

The holidays can be a tough time for a lot of people. Whenever I’m feeling a bit down (or frustrated or lonely or any tough emotion) I’ll put on a movie that can brighten my mood. My movie pick this week is a classic that never fails to make me feel better: Funny Face. Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire star in this opposites attract movie musical, along with Kay Thompson (the creator of the Eloise books).

**Warning, mild spoilers ahead, so if you haven’t watched the movie yet, what are you doing?**

Jo Stockton (Hepburn) is a bookseller and amateur philosopher who gets whisked into the glamorous world of fashion magazines after being discovered by photographer Dick Avery (Astaire). Although she looks down on the triviality of models and fashion, Jo eventually agrees to model for Maggie Prescott’s (Thompson) magazine after hearing about a trip to Paris. Jo doesn’t want the glamor, only to meet philosopher Professor Flostre. Once in Paris, romance starts to blossom between Jo and Dick. Their different outlooks on life, however, threaten to keep them apart. Ultimately, both must decide if they can compromise to be together or if they are destined for different paths.

This movie has some great musical numbers, including “S Wonderful” and “Funny Face”. I first heard of this movie because it and “S Wonderful” were mentioned in an episode of Gilmore Girls. It wasn’t until a few years later when I finally sat down to watch it. It’s a fun and easy movie to watch, no complicated subplots or confusing endings. 

Fred Astaire is my favorite leading man in classic musicals and the way he dances it looks like it takes no effort. I’ve also loved Audrey Hepburn since I first watched Sabrina as a kid. Both give great performances in this film, though their age gap requires some suspension of disbelief. 

This 1957 movie musical is everything I love about the Golden Age of Hollywood; glamorous settings, gorgeous costumes, and romance. Funny Face never fails to put me in a better mood.

One moment I loved: The musical number “Bonjour, Paris”. Sadly I have yet to visit the City of Light, but just seeing Hepburn, Astaire, and Thompson running around exploring though they are all jet lagged gives me FOMO. One day I’ll get there, but until then I’ll just live vicariously.

One moment that made me laugh: When the magazine assistants are chasing around Jo trying to cut her hair. It’s not the greatest chase scene, but it’s pretty ridiculous.

I’d give Funny Face 9 out of 10 black turtlenecks.