The Rose
1979
In this authentic, entertaining, and tragic film, Bette Midler plays Rose, a talented but exhausted, alcoholic rock star whose entire life is controlled by her cutthroat manager, Rudge (Alan Bates). Taking a bleak look at the downside of the music industry, THE ROSE chronicles the precipitous fall of this fictional rock & roll .. Read more
| Starring | Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest, David Keith |
|---|---|
| Director | Mark Rydell |
| Genres | Drama |
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Critics' reviews (4)
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Trapped by the usual conventions of rock-star biopics — drugs, booze and blues — Bette Midler, playing a singer loosely based on Janis Joplin, is only really effective during her raunchy concert numbers. For the rest of the film she's at the mercy of a script as ridiculous as the hairstyles. Alan Bates gives a skilful performance that makes his ruthless manager a plausible man you love to hate, but Midler just muddles through.
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An unattractive, hysterical, foul-mouthed show business biopic roughly based on Janis Joplin, this does afford an undisciplined night-club talent a role to get her teeth into.
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"...So many finely drawn episodes, so much brittle, raunchy humor and such an unexpectedly alluring performance from Bette Midler in the title role..."
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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5 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Dated, but not bad
I first saw this film at the cinema with a girlfriend, way back in my teens. I understand that it's supposed to be based on Janis Joplin, but I can't comment on that as I know little of her. The film has a very dated feel, due to the style of dress and music, but then again it is 25 years old and supposedly set even earlier. I'm no fan of Ms Midler, but her performance carried this film, which otherwise would have been fairly poor. It's a tale of the rise and fall of a singer, with all the hazards of fame thrown in to illustrate how things can go wrong. Not bad, if you like that sort of thing. I loved the theme tune too.
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
This film is a strong indictment of the inhuman demands of the pop music industry. Bette Midler, in her first major film, is stunning as the tired, alcoholic and insecure pop star who is rapidly heading downhill. This theme may seem unattractive and I confess I am an opera buff rather than a rock n' roll fan. Nevertheless this film is worth watching for the raw and compelling energy of Bette Midler's singing and acting. She is ably supported by Adrian Bates as her hard nosed manager and Frederick Forrest as the boy friend she increasingly depends upon. A personal measure of the impact of this film is that, along with Clouzot's "The Wages of Fear" it has stuck in my memory for 25 years and more, long after I have forgotten most other films I have seen. Will Lord of the Rings stand that test? Probably yes!
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Great Music, a bit dated..
Bette Midler is great in the leading role and is a fine actress. The film is a little dated now. Not light hearted entertainment..
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Dated, but not bad
I first saw this film at the cinema with a girlfriend, way back in my teens. I understand that it's supposed to be based on Janis Joplin, but I can't comment on that as I know little of her. The film has a very dated feel, due to the style of dress and music, but then again it is 25 years old and supposedly set even earlier. I'm no fan of Ms Midler, but her performance carried this film, which otherwise would have been fairly poor. It's a tale of the rise and fall of a singer, with all the hazards of fame thrown in to illustrate how things can go wrong. Not bad, if you like that sort of thing. I loved the theme tune too.
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Great Music, a bit dated..
Bette Midler is great in the leading role and is a fine actress. The film is a little dated now. Not light hearted entertainment..
-
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Dated, but not bad
I first saw this film at the cinema with a girlfriend, way back in my teens. I understand that it's supposed to be based on Janis Joplin, but I can't comment on that as I know little of her. The film has a very dated feel, due to the style of dress and music, but then again it is 25 years old and supposedly set even earlier. I'm no fan of Ms Midler, but her performance carried this film, which otherwise would have been fairly poor. It's a tale of the rise and fall of a singer, with all the hazards of fame thrown in to illustrate how things can go wrong. Not bad, if you like that sort of thing. I loved the theme tune too.
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
This film is a strong indictment of the inhuman demands of the pop music industry. Bette Midler, in her first major film, is stunning as the tired, alcoholic and insecure pop star who is rapidly heading downhill. This theme may seem unattractive and I confess I am an opera buff rather than a rock n' roll fan. Nevertheless this film is worth watching for the raw and compelling energy of Bette Midler's singing and acting. She is ably supported by Adrian Bates as her hard nosed manager and Frederick Forrest as the boy friend she increasingly depends upon. A personal measure of the impact of this film is that, along with Clouzot's "The Wages of Fear" it has stuck in my memory for 25 years and more, long after I have forgotten most other films I have seen. Will Lord of the Rings stand that test? Probably yes!
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Great Music, a bit dated..
Bette Midler is great in the leading role and is a fine actress. The film is a little dated now. Not light hearted entertainment..
-
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Drugs don't work!
I recommend that you watch this film after watching 'Traffic'. I think it's based on the story of Janis Joplin.
Bett Midler is brilliant and sings all her own songs. -
Bette Rocks
Excellent acting and singing by Bette!!
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luv it
Loved it one of Midlers best ever
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3 STARS FOR THE FILM 5 STARS FOR BETTE !!
I THINK MY TITTLE SAYS IT ALL REALLY. NOT A BAD FILM, ENTERTAINING ENOUGH , BUT BETTE MIDLER IS UNFORGETTABLE.
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Poor
Very poor film not one her best ones its one you could do your ironong to or talk on the phone and not have to catch up on it
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bette holds it all together
Film is ok and at times comes across dated and relys on bette M to hold it together. Worth watching
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A Must See
The Rose......Outstanding movie not to be missed. Bette Midler is magnificent, and it's even more incredible, when you think that it's her first venture into the movie world.
Although loosely based on Janis Joplin. I feel sure Janis herself would've been proud of miss Midlers performance.
Critics' reviews (4)
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Trapped by the usual conventions of rock-star biopics — drugs, booze and blues — Bette Midler, playing a singer loosely based on Janis Joplin, is only really effective during her raunchy concert numbers. For the rest of the film she's at the mercy of a script as ridiculous as the hairstyles. Alan Bates gives a skilful performance that makes his ruthless manager a plausible man you love to hate, but Midler just muddles through.
-
An unattractive, hysterical, foul-mouthed show business biopic roughly based on Janis Joplin, this does afford an undisciplined night-club talent a role to get her teeth into.
-
"...So many finely drawn episodes, so much brittle, raunchy humor and such an unexpectedly alluring performance from Bette Midler in the title role..."
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The Rise to Fame; the Stab in the Back; the Tragic Demise... With its ageless conventions and stylish history, the... read more on Time Out
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