"The Rose" 1979

The Rose is a 1979 film which tells the story of a self-destructive 1960s rock star who struggles to cope with the constant pressures of her career and the demands of her ruthless business manager. The film stars Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest, Harry Dean Stanton, Barry Primus, and David Keith. The story is loosely based on the life of singer Janis Joplin. It was written by Michael Cimino, who went uncredited, and Bo Goldman from a story by Bill Kerby, and directed by Mark Rydell. The Rose was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Frederic Forrest), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Bette Midler, in her screen debut), Best Film Editing and Best Sound. Midler performed the soundtrack album for the film, and the title track became one of her biggest hit singles in 1980. 

In 1969, Mary Rose Foster is a famous rock 'n' roll diva known as The Rose. Although a success, she is burnt out and lonely but is kept working by her gruff, greedy manager and promoter Rudge Campbell. Though loud and brassy, Rose is an insecure alcoholic and former drug user who seems to crave approval in her life. As such, she is determined to return to her hometown, now as a superstar. After being humiliated by a country singing star named Billy Ray whose songs she performs in her show, Rose takes off with a limousine driver named Houston Dyer and begins a romance with him. They have a rocky relationship and her lifestyle of "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll" and constant touring lead her to an inevitable breakdown. 

All i can say is that this movie is Amazing! 

Bette Midler is extraordinary, she gives everything to become The Rose. Her acting is accurate and delightful and her voice here is so out of this world, too freaking powerful and perfect. She just gives you the chills everytime she sings. When she sings "The Rose" (on the credits, surprinsingly never in the movie live) and mainly "Stay with Me" live in front of a huge audience, she just gets to you entirely. I am speechless everytime i hear her sing like that with her body and soul. You can feel her pain, her love, her hopes just coming out of her mouth with such passion. Personally i adore Bette Midler, she is one of my favourite comedians and singers so her performance in this movie was no exception. The first time i saw the movie, i remember what caught my attention. The "Rose" was loosely (or not so much) based on the talented Janis Joplin and that was enough for me. Actually, if you hear Bette singing, you´ll realise that her voice is quite raw like Joplin´s compared to her normal voice when she sings other songs.  

Absolutely worth to watch if you get the chance and you like rock and the 60´s. For me it was a memorable performance and a very good movie.

(wikipedia, fanpix, imdb, fanpop)