Out of all the films I've seen so far through Contextual Studies, 'Sweet Charity' (1966, Dir. Bob Fosse) has to be one of my favourites. The eclectic dance numbers and colourful cast drew me into Charity's world and her mindset of hopeful daydreaming. I find it particularly interesting that unlike most films of the time, 'Sweet Charity' does not end with the protagonist riding into the sunset, freshly wed. Rather, she ends the film abandoned at the wedding registry office, yet still hopeful as ever; after an entire runtime of being trodden down by the men in her life.
Fosse injects his choreography into this film in a way that compliments his 'deep 60's' aesthetic, reflected in the quirky costuming and vibrant set pieces. The 'peace and love' hippie aesthetic isn't far from Fosse's grip either, seen in musical numbers like 'The Rhythm of Life' and at the end of the film, when Charity is handed a flower by a group of aptly dressed teenagers. It's a film that reflects the styles of the time, and yet is deeply inspiring to me as a modern viewer. The kitsch elements of 'Sweet Charity' make it into a film that stands out from the others to me, and is one I'd be happy to rewatch.
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