For 31 years, it's been just the Fabulous Baker Boys – cocktail lounge
pianists Jack (Jeff) and Frank (Beau). But times change, and the
brothers hire a singer, Susie Diamond, to bring their moribund act back
to life. Pfeiffer has a whale of a time, belting out the big numbers and
purring her way through "Makin' Whoopee" on top of the
piano. These routines aren't the thing, though – Kloves is committed to
examining what talent means and how to deal with having more or less of it
than those around you. Stylishly jazzy, adult and atmospheric, his
first film is quite something; its turbulent relationships – both
brotherly and romantic – beautifully written and played.
