IMO, one of the most powerful, captivating, and chilling scenes in *cinematic history, but here’s the setup for the question:
As you see various people being swept up in the emotion (or not, in the case of the old chap who is obviously troubled by it), one person looks out of place (IMO). The fedora guy who appears to simply be giving it a look of mild curiosity. Since Fosse’s not alive any longer to tell us where or not that person in particular meant anything special, it’s all speculation.
I’ve always taken him to represent an American (and thereby representing the US), who is just kinda watching things slowly spinning out of control in Europe. Any opinions???
And just in case you haven’t seen it in a while:
Obviously, there is SOUND involved, so be forewarned.
*And interestingly led off by an extra whose name appears to be lost to history.
Earl, I agree with you about the power of that scene. I had forgotten that this was part of Fosse’s genius. Everything is so polished in the production that nothing is left to chance – that has to include the man who looks on with “mild curiousity.” I always think of him as the historian – trying to be objection, interested in seeing what unfolds.
Much of the horror of the scene is the contrast between the pastoral setting with such cherubic faces and pretty little lyrics and the change in mood and expression as the people become so insistent in their declarations that tomorrow belongs to them. The story becomes one not of personal victory for a young boy, but of nationalistic victory for an obsessed and crushing state.
I think of it as the diametric opposite scene to the Oskar Schlindler survivors and their offspring topping the hill at the end of Schlindler’s List.
It is a very poignant and emotional scene from an under rated movie. I just can’t follow the reasoning why that guy in the fedora is American though. He may be Swedish or even German. I think the old mans reaction was special.