Funny Face – An Audrey Hepburn Classic
A fashion magazine needs a model who represents beauty and intelligence. Photographer Dick Avery believes he’s found her – the only hitch? Everyone else just sees a “funny” looking girl.
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Oh, Classic Hollywood, how do I love thee? Funny Face is practically synonymous with my childhood as I grew up watching this adorable, quirky romantic musical. I still adore it today!
When Dick Avery, photographer for Quality magazine, stumbles upon Jo Stockton, a deep-thinking bookstore employee, he convinces Jo to become their new model for a Paris shoot. Along the way, Jo and Dick bicker and fall in love. But will their romance last despite their glaring differences?
This darling film boasts a fantastic leading cast with Audrey Hepburn herself starring as the “funny” looking Jo Stockton (yeah, she’s anything but funny looking!). Fred Astaire plays a charming Dick Avery, who’s all old-school and blunt. Dick and Jo are pretty hilarious together as they clash like night and day. Jo’s beatnik philosophies are played to a point of comedy contrasting with Dick who has no talent at comprehending her dramatic opinions or “expressive dance” (love that scene!).
The movie boasts gorgeous ’50s’ high fashion and Audrey stuns in everything she wears. In fact, I can think of quite a few movies that dolled up Audrey (Roman Holiday, Sabrina, My Fair Lady, etc.) and I understand why! My favorite scene in the movie is Dick taking Jo on a multiple location shoot in Paris – sooo many cute dresses and lovely backgrounds. It’s Paris after all!
True to its time, Funny Face is a musical and is full of fun, catchy songs with How Long Has This Been Going On and S’ Wonderful being my two favorites (both sung by Audrey Hepburn). Audrey and Fred sing their own songs and hold their own well. While the story/songs are originally from a Broadway musical, much was changed in the film and only four original songs were kept.
If you haven’t seen this Audrey-Fred rom-com, definitely look it up! You’re sure to find it S’ Wonderful! Oh yes, I couldn’t resist!
Photos: Paramount Pictures
OVERALL RATING
“Hello, Gorgeous.”
ROMANCE RATING
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My
feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me
to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
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Audrey ! Funny Face !
“The gentle breeze from her bright face
moves with the sound of wise words
making a sweet harmony where it blows,
as if a gentle spirit from Paradise
seems always to comfort me, in that air,
so that my heart won’t let me breathe elsewhere…”