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Bette Midler's 'The Rose': Raw Grit and Gymnastics
5 Sep
Summary
- Bette Midler's debut role in 'The Rose' earned her an Oscar nomination.
- Midler trained in gymnastics for months to perfect her rock star movements.
- She preferred the ballad version of 'The Rose' over a more upbeat tune.
Bette Midler's powerful performance in the 1979 musical drama "The Rose" marked her screen debut and secured her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film, directed by Mark Rydell, grossed over $29 million and remains a celebrated classic.
Midler prepared rigorously for her role as a self-destructive rock star, drawing inspiration from R&B singers like Big Mama Thornton and Nina Simone. She dedicated six months to gymnastics to develop the character's intense, angular stage movements, aiming for a "panther quality" on stage.
The film's iconic title track, originally submitted as a ballad by Amanda McBroom, became one of Midler's biggest hits. Despite producer Paul Rothchild's desire for a more upbeat song, Midler's strong preference for the ballad ultimately shaped the track into a timeless classic.
