Most Broadway Inspired Death Bill
Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider) - All That Jazz (1979) - 25 points(1 of 14 lists. Highest ranking - #1 Monty)http://www.youtube.com/v/bNcl0L7eJUYDirector: Bob Fosse (basically writing and staging his own death)
Starring: Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking, Ben Vereen
Gore Factor: Minimal
Sad Factor: Slight. This guy pretty much had it coming to him. Although the bit where he hugs his daughter tugs at the heartstrings a little.
Wow/Kickass Factor: Huge wow factor if you like '70s variety shows and Everly Brothers songs.
Synopsis:Anais asked me to write up the synopsis for this death. Probably because she hadn't seen the film before and when she looked at the Youtube clip I suggested go with this entry, she was all like WTF was that? To me, this scene is the ultimate "life flashing before your eyes" moment. And it is hard to take the scene out of the context of the rest of the movie.
Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider) is a famous Broadway director working himself to an early grave. The film shows his last frantic days trying to mount a new production while his health woes start taking a toll on him. All the while having a running dialogue with his "Angel of Death". Most descriptions of this film will tell you that the scenes throughout the movie that show Gideon talking to the "Angel of Death" (Jessica Lange) are just in his imagination. But my interpretation is that the entire movie is him relating his story to her as he already lies on his death bed. Leading up to the ending showstopper musical number where Gideon seemingly goes out with a bang.
I first saw this movie back in 1980 and have probably seen it 20 times since. I just watched it a few weeks back after making this list. To me it has always been the most compelling cinematic version of what happens to you when you die. And hey, who wouldn't want a hot "Angel of Death" there to escort you into that long goodnight.
This is Anais speaking. I would like to say that having watched the scene in question, I really want to watch this film. Also Roy Schneider was hot