Astaire Quote by Pauline Kael
![“...When the bespangled Miss Charisse wraps her phenomenal legs around [Fred] Astaire, she can be forgiven everything—even the fact that she reads her lines as if she learned them phonetically.” quote by Pauline Kael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c4/pauline-kael-6910_film_when-the-bespangled-miss-charisse-wraps_1433700.jpg)
““...When the bespangled Miss Charisse wraps her phenomenal legs around [Fred] Astaire, she can be forgiven everything—even the fact that she reads her lines as if she learned them phonetically.””
About This Quote
Source Film Review: The New Yorker, 1955
The critic finds the actress’s performance overly stylized, suggesting that her exaggerated delivery undermines authenticity.
In simple terms: Overacting makes the performance feel inauthentic.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance between style and genuine expression.
Themes
film criticism
performance
authenticity
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
evaluative
insightful
When to use this quote
- acting workshops
- film analysis
- directorial coaching
- audience feedback
Key Concepts
Aesthetics
acting theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value authenticity over artistic flair?
- How does style affect your engagement with a performance?
A Different Perspective
Some audiences may appreciate the flamboyance, making it a matter of taste.
![“Sure, [Fred Astaire] was great, but don't forget that Ginger Rogers did everything that he did… backwards and in high heels.” quote by Robert Thaves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/338/robert-thaves-101825_astaire_sure-fred-astaire-was-great-but-don-t-fo_141620.jpg)
