MovieChat Forums > The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) Discussion > Piano Playing

Piano Playing

posted 20 years ago by jescci
6 replies | jump to latest

For a movie that centered so much on piano music, the playing sounded oddly thin - rarely if ever did it sound like two pianos.

There was at least one shot of Jeff's playing wherein you could tell that he learned enough to "finger-synch" along with whoever did the real recording, but it wasn't 100% on and you had the sense they included that shot to say, "See - it's really him playing - isn't that realistic?" And they answer is a luke-warm "sort of." Probably not worth the effort for so-so results.

Do you know that guy?
No. But he's a dick.

[–] seventhform 19 years ago

I was thinking the same thing; like the impracticality of two grand pianos playing these small clubs and dive hotels, but those factors really shouldn't distract from the essence of the film, nor the fact Michelle's singing wasn't really as impressive as some of the scenes suggested. It's a MOVIE, and a damn good one, so I (you) should try not fixate on those things..I know it's hard not to, I'm a musician and was also watching Bridges hands when he played, it was convincing enough actually. I do know he's an accomplished musician from what I've read, he's actually released his own material and has a recording studio in his Santa Barbara home..

[–] MOOVYZ 17 years ago

I'm confused, are we saying that they did or didn't play their own music? My understanding of the film when it came out was that the music is pretty much all them. Both Bridges play very well and was actually how the idea for the movie came up.

"I think that boy's cheese slid off his cracker" The Green Mile

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] aleksi-78 17 years ago

Are you saying they shoudn't have done this movie at all? I think the plot was an intriguing one yet a somewhat transparent but definitely on it's own category. Or at least I don't remember seeing/hearing of similar movies.

Well... having it both ways is rather difficult. I mean to get two actors who can act AND play these songs. It was a challenging movie to make and I for one think the result was a pretty darn good one.

How would've you done it then?

a) two professional pianists with limited acting skills

b) Jeff and Beau but no shots of their hands while playing

c) this shouldn't have been filmed at all

[–] doughazelrigg 14 years ago

The piano parts were played by Dave Grusin and Albert Hammond

And yes, it's HIGHLY improbable that ANY lounge or hotel -- or gymnasium -- is going to have TWO grand pianos in playable condition

[–] jcosyn-1 12 years ago

The pianos are rentals. In an early scene, when the Bakers are being paid off after their opening night and told they won't be needed for the second night, Frank says, "But we've got the pianos for two nights."

No, a lounge isn't likely to have two grand pianos sitting around. Or probably even one. Most places that have a piano bar use a baby grand.

And it was John Hammond who played the cheesy lounge piano of the Frank character (Beau).