For my current writing project, I am watching, ranking, and reviewing every film to win The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Oscar for Best Picture. Below, is my review of the 1937 winner, "The Great Ziegfeld." 

 3/5 Stars

 Plot: “The ups and downs of Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., famed producer of extravagant stage revues, are portrayed.” -IMDB

 Director: Robert Z. Leonard, Writer: William Anthony McGuire, Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Luise Rainer

 Review: The art of motion pictures was created for movies such as “The Great Ziegfeld.” Ironically, of all the Oscar winners I have reviewed so far, it took a film about a theater producer to show the majesty of this new and emerging art form.

 The story of Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. is not an uncommon one. He is a man down on his luck but knows within his soul that he is destined for greatness. All he needs is a spark. For Ziegfeld, this spark comes in the form of a rivalry shaped on the midway of Chicago’s World Far; a rivalry that will continue to motivate and support him for the rest of his illustrious career.

 If Ziegfeld possesses any talent, it is his ability to sale and make potential stars believe in themselves. He is also a con-man who can barely pay his expenses and must beg for money in order to see his ideas come to life. When these talents combine, we are treated to one of the greatest spectacles to ever grace the stage in the form of Ziegfeld Follies. When combined with the art of film production, we are given a glimpse of what it must feel like to experience Rio and Carnival for the first time. In every direction, extravagant stage productions and beautiful costumes indulge your senses. This is what film was born to do; it was made to take you inside of world few have ever known.

Yet, with genius comes a brooding truth most men of talent can never escape; the pursuit of perfection comes with great sacrifices to family, friends, and health. This film only touches the surface of these challenges. If it would have chosen to dig deeper, its rating from me would have increased. Despite this, it is still worth a watch. Here the beauty of film was born and what comes next is pretty spectacular.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

 Best Picture Ranking (So Far)

Mutiny on the Bounty

Cavalcade

It Happened One Night

The Great Ziegfeld

All Quiet on the Western Front 

Wings 

The Broadway Melody 

Grand Hotel

Cimarron 

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