Is Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2005)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Music, Documentary cinema, the 2005 release of Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Bette Midler performs four songs from her recording "Bette Midler Sings The Peggy Lee Songbook". As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music, Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Bette Midler performs four songs from her recording "Bette Midler Sings The Peggy Lee Songbook". Selections include "I'm A Woman," "He's A Tramp," "Fever," and an alternate take version of "Is That All There Is?" The program also includes interviews with Bette, along with Nicki Lee Foster and Holly Foster Wells (Peggy Lee's daughter and granddaughter.) along with never before seen vintage home movies from the Peggy Lee estate. A highlight is a home movie montage scored to Bette's recording of "Folks That Live on the Hill." This program was created as the exclusive DVD content for the Dual Disc release of Bette's Peggy Lee tribute."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Bette Midler provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Steven Lippman is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 23 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2005 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Steven Lippman respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Bette Midler or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.