Svengali (1983 TV Movie) User Reviews (17)

O'Toole & Foster Match Up

[mrcaw12 · 7/10 · 29 December 2005]

Apparently this was a made for TV movie, anyway, the reason to watch this film is not the riveting storyline or spectacular visuals.

What is good about this movie is seeing O'Toole work his magic. He can take a rather silly re-working of the Pgymalian storyline and almost make it seem like art. He really is a wonder to behold.

Foster is not the actress yet she will become in Accused & Silence of the Lambs but you can certainly see the control starting to take shape. Foster shines when she's standing up to O'Toole's dogmatic ways but she falters in romantic moments with O'Toole, you just don't believe that she has romantic feelings for O'Toole.

Elizabeth Ashley is a bit of a disappointment. I was expecting to see some fire from her but I just kept getting the feeling that she was just so much in awe of working with O'Toole that she came off flat. It's a shame cuz it would have been fun to see Ashley & O'Toole spark...ah well.

Sure, the move is a bit melodramatic at times...OK..but if you're an O'Toole fan, you really should check this out. I don't know if he was nominated for an Emmy for this but he should have been.

Oh and there's a great cameo by Holly Hunter in an early performance before her breakout role in Raising Arizona.

Again, this is not the worst movie you'll ever see. It's just a dated early 80s movie that just happens to have a great part for O'Toole which he makes the most of and it's fun to see Jodi Foster as well in a part that we haven't seen her in over and over again..and don't forget, it's always fun to see an actor using their own voice to sing in a movie!

"He stuck his fingers in my mouth and called me a pig..."

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 31 March 2009]

George L. Du Maurier's novel "Trilby", first filmed as "Svengali" in 1931 with John Barrymore and Marian Marsh, gets an embarrassing '80s make-over here, with New York bar-band singer Jodie Foster discovered and sent to vocal tutor extraordinaire Peter O'Toole for refinement. They share a begrudging relationship at first, accented by ego-mad Svengali O'Toole's stormy temperament, until Foster's Zoe eventually lands a record deal--putting into question her need to rely on this man who has come to be her mentor and love-interest. Well-produced for television, the movie gets off to a good start but eventually flags, with Foster unconvincing as a vocalist and O'Toole looking ragged and disinterested. There's a funny bit performance by a young Holly Hunter (whose screws are so loose, she clashes with the relatively somber tone of this piece), and Elizabeth Ashley has some fine moments near the beginning before she is unceremoniously lost in the shuffle.

Good drama with two acting giants

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 25 March 2014]

Made for TV, the 1983 version of "Svengali" tells the tale of Zoe Alexander (Jodie Foster) being discovered singing at a night club in New York City. The talent scout invests in her by giving her free singing lessons with Anton Bosnyak, a top-of-the-line singing coach (Peter O'Toole). He's difficult and demanding, but he's the best at what he does and Zoe eventually experiences success, but she also falls for her singing coach, even though he's 28 years older than her! The ages of the characters pretty much match the ages of the actors, since Jodie (Zoe) was 20 and O'Toole (Anton) was 50 at the time of filming.

Some people criticize this film as unintentionally funny because Jodie does her own singing and it doesn't really change that much over the course of the film (in fact, she sounds best at the beginning with the bar band) and also because of O'Toole's over-the-top performance. It didn't strike me as funny, however, because it's all about the characters, the story and the acting, not how good Jodie sings or how eccentric Anton is. Besides, it's a made-for-TV movie for crying out loud.

I'm not a big fan of either Foster or O'Toole -- I can take 'em or leave 'em -- but who can deny their acting skills? These are acting giants and here they pull off two very tough roles. With difficult parts like these everything has to be right; if the written dialogue is bad the actors won't be able to make their characters believable, but I found both Zoe and Anton believable. In fact, Anton's a great offbeat character. What's more, I enjoyed Anton & Zoe's relationship arc and I didn't think what ultimately happens was going to happen. So the film's not predictable, which is always good.

On the downside, Zoe's hit and the style of music her band plays are too bland to be believable. So what else is new? (In other words, if the songs/music were really that awesome they wouldn't be using them for a TV movie; they'd be real-life hits).

BOTTOM LINE: This 1983 version of "Svengali" is a solid drama and better than similarly-themed theatrical releases like "The Rose." Foster and O'Toole pull off two tough roles and make their characters come alive. O'Toole in particular is outstanding. Plus, the topic of falling for a too-young woman or too-old man is always a fascinating subject.

The film was shot in New York City and runs 100 minutes.

GRADE: B

Ya just gotta see this...ya just gotta!!!!!

[Lost Johnny · 27 April 2000]

There are few things more entertaining then an unintentionally funny film. Very few. Fewer still are films that fall into this category. If a film is trying to be funny it is not unintentional now is it? This was supposed to be serious. This starred Peter O'toole and of course Ms. Foster. The two of them were still reeling from Calligula and Hinkley respectively and therefore were in no position to turn down work, at least that is what I keep telling myself. Svengali is the story of a singer, a female singer in a band called, get this "The restless nights." A talent scout is in the audience with the big time singing instructor (Otoole) when the nights come on, fronted by Jodie Foster, in all her glory. She sings. She really sings. No really...it's her...not someone else, she is belting out a number that must be heard to be believed, I will spare you the gory details of the lyrics, it suffices to say they were far from great. O'toole takes on the challenge of teaching the little songbird to sing. He works and works and finally says "tell the whole city" they run to the roof of the building and Foster sings on the roof. I am not making this up. She sings. EXACTLY THE SAME WAY SHE HAS BEEN SINGING THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF THE FILM!!! Not one note has changed, but never mind that. Oh god..she hits number one...she starts an affair with Peter O'toole, her X boyfriend quips "I didn't know you were into wrinkles" AAAAAARRRRGHHHH!!!!! I am giving this film 10 stars, just like Showgirls. Foster is the greatest film actress ever. Ever Ever. This is one of the greatest bad films ever.....Ever....Ever....You just gotta see this...ya just gotta. PS look for Holly Hunter in this, if you can spot her E-mail me, you need to get a life.

SVENGALI (TV) (Anthony Harvey, 1983) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 23 January 2010]

The significant alterations to the original source i.e. George Du Maurier's classic Victorian chiller, TRILBY (a novel which I have had the pleasure of reading for myself a few years ago) may perhaps put off some purists from giving this solid film adaptation a fair chance: for starters, the story here is not set in the art milieu of end-of-the-century Paris but in the dog-eat-dog world of the New York pop scene; the main characters are not even called Svengali, Trilby and Billy but have become Anton Bosnyak, Zoe Alexander and Johnny Rainbow; perfectionist taskmaster and rebellious pupil not only match wits word-for-word but genuinely fall in love!; 'Svengali' proves to his by-now established protégé that she does not need his influence to succeed!!; the teacher does not die in the end but, in fact, is seen taking on a new pupil under his wings, etc. Consequently, since hypnotism and kidnapping do not form part of the plot here, it cannot even be considered a horror film and, technically, I should not have included it in this ongoing Halloween Challenge…but, of course, I did not know about that before watching the thing! Anyway, that the film succeeds regardless is a testament to the acting talents of Peter O'Toole (nobody does flamboyant eccentrics like this formidable British thespian – whom I have had the privilege of watching live on London's renowned "The Old Vic" theater in the Summer of 1999 – and, therefore, perfect casting as the Svengali figure), Jodie Foster (at 21, she is totally capable of holding her own ground in her scenes with O'Toole – and she possesses a fine, raspy singing voice to boot), Elizabeth Ashley (a welcome addition to the mix as a former unsuccessful student of O'Toole's that has instead found her calling as a talent scout) and the music of John Barry (Foster keeps singing the same three songs throughout the picture but, at least, they're quite decent). It should also be noted that the film reunites both O'Toole and Barry with their own taskmaster on THE LION IN WINTER (1968) i.e. Anthony Harvey and that future Oscar-winner Holly Hunter makes a brief appearance early on as a nymphomaniac backing vocalist!

Good work, weakish plot

[matjpi · 7/10 · 14 March 2012]

This story was more engaging because Peter O'Toole took the role (the kind he does best) and multiplied it up. Also he had a very capable co-star to do it with.

The story was mostly engaging up to the point Zoe (Jodie Foster) develops feelings for her teacher Bosnyak (O'Toole). Though understandable, when she began her overtures I expected Bosnyak to keep her at arm's length until she understood that he wasn't the talisman she thought. Understandable she would think so, yes. Understandable that Bosnyak would find it difficult to resist her amorous advances, hoo yes! But Bosnyak, no stranger to involvement with his pupils, knew the inevitable result of involvement - at odds with his assertion that the teacher-pupil relationship was a "sacred trust."

Still, Zoe was heading for the stars with only her philandering ex-boyfriend hanging onto her ankles threatening to keep her earthbound.

Though not a trained singer, Jodie can carry a tune and the performance she gives of "One Dream at a Time" was good enough to fill the part. She couldn't be good enough to convince us that she could take a more classical route in singing though it's how I would have preferred the story to unfold. This film has its moments.

Nothing good about any of this film

[sallyclark-29224 · 1/10 · 18 February 2024]

Why did they even make it? I kept watching because I couldn't believe these seasoned actors were in it. It must ust have been a desperate time in their careers. There was no chemistry between Peter O'Toole and Jody Foster. She can carry a tune, but Jody Foster is not a great singer. This made it hard to believe that his character would take her on as a protege. His instruction was basically having her sing 5 notes over and over again. He got mad when she asked to work on singing from the diaphragm. None of this movie is believable. Her falling in love with a decaying older man is unbelievable. His over acting take on the Svengali character was embarrassing. Her lack of feeling was definitely lack luster. It was an over all poor movie.

From the tuckus.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 14 September 2021]

It's the rock star version of "Trilby", made into a film several times and updated as a cable TV movie starring the much Oscar nominated Peter O'Toole and the future two time winner Jodie Foster. She had sung as a teen in "Bugsy Malone", and here emulates several country western singers and Carly Simon with her pleasant but unremarkable voice. Her character becomes obsessed with her mentor (O'Toole), unlike the other versions where the Svengali becomes obsessed with Trilby. O'Toole is perfectly cast as the admitted narcissist, telling an overwrought middle-aged woman (Barbara Byrne) to save her money and just sing in her church. Foster's a bit of a neurotic mess, having found her boyfriend cheating on her with another future Oscar winner, Holly Hunter. This is one of the few times I've seen Hunter playing an actually happy character and it's a historical moment just as it was seeing star Barbara Stanwyck sharing a brief scene with the rising Bette Davis in "So Big" and Jane Fonda and Faye Dunaway briefly crossing paths in "Hurry Sundown".

An enjoyable Elizabeth Ashley offers good support as O'Toole's obvious former lover, cast aside by him as he mentors Foster. Of course O'Toole is the more commanding of the leads, but appropriately, Foster at times seems to be in awe of the power he brings to the screen. Her desires to seduce him seem creepy on the perspective that her lust for him borders on obsession which switches the original themes of the obsession that previous Svengalis had for their own Trilby. She's not quite a fatal attraction but there is a sickness over her desperation to change him as he manages to change her in order to improve her art. This is the svengali story seen from a different gender angle, and the ending really leaves a few questions unanswered by the way she is forced to walk away. The power of the theme is there. It just never successfully gels.

What a Waste!

[peapulation · 4/10 · 14 February 2011]

Most of the people that have seen it, will not have anything bad to say about the performances of the leading actors. Yet, it is obvious that Foster cannot sing, and that O'Toole is being Bela Lugosi, the star of the early Dracula films.

Nevertheless, it is not their fault if in the late seventies they were asked to star in such a tremendously average and weak movie about a young rock star in the making whose mentor is a tough Hungarian and former musical star. Eventually, the 50 year old becomes romantically involved with the 22 year old, and I hate the way in all these movies in the end they actually do 'make it' as they say in the film, but there is never just a strong admiration or platonic love. It would have kept O'Toole's character interesting, before it too crumbles down and becomes a sad little human being.

Anyways, it's free on youtube somewhere so check it out there, though mind you, you could be bored to hell with, particularly every time O'Toole is away from the action.

Two of the All-time Best Cinematic Performers; Wrong Role for Foster

[BullMooseWV · 6/10 · 18 November 2023]

This made-for-tv remake of a circa-1931, well-reviewed but box-office dud starring John Barrymore, is promising, armed as it with amazing A-list leads in O'Toole & Foster, & Elizabeth Ashley for support; is simply ....watchable enough, especially for a TV movie.

But this role just didn't feel right for Foster, & that comment is amplified by the fact that this "I will always love you"-type relationship between them is even more odd-fitting than ANYONE feeling that way to/about Kevin Costner (@Bodyguard reference), for reasons we'll leave be. LOL.

It sounds like Foster actually singing; it's okayyyy, & certainly not Roseanne Barr-anthem or Russell Crowe-Les Miserables levels of disastrous. But not believable as the suddenly melodic little bird that everyone's expression makes her out to be. That's about as believable as Streisand playing the young, ugly-duckling-turned-Beauty, daughter of Lauren Bacall..... as she was/is none of those things, but she was the director.

Peter O'toole is brilliant

[Osmiumos · 9/10 · 16 May 2021]

I watched this well over 30 years ago and have just rewatched.

Peter O'toole's performance was memorable and that is why i sought it out for a second viewing.

Well worth watching for his performance alone. Brilliant.

A Little Above-Average

[recluse2 · 6/10 · 3 April 2020]

There were a handful of touching scenes in this older man/younger woman love story. The movie improved close to one full hour in when Jodie's character says to her singing teacher that she loves him and wants to go to bed with him---I think it was in those exact words. Jodie Foster looks gorgeous, angelic in this movie, in the full bloom of her beauty. I did not know she is a singer---and wow she can sing great. The acting is well-done; O'Toole and Foster make their characters very believable. The talent scout woman put in a nice performance as well.

Beautiful teacher-student story with great actors

[CinefanR · 10/10 · 1 March 2012]

I had never heard of this movie when I accidentally stumbled across it on the internet, and I couldn't believe it… It's so good, it's a crime not having it available for sale in a DVD format. This is definitely a must-see for O'Toole and Foster's fans, and generally for anybody who enjoy real acting from real actors. Why this movie remains unknown is beyond me.

Peter O'Toole is so amazing he seems to be from another world. A very young Jodie Foster makes quite an impression as an intelligent child-woman on her way to self-discovery. The character development is very well done, and their Teacher-Student relationship resonates because it looks and feels real.

It has no importance whatsoever that Foster and O'Toole can't really sing. All that matters is that they can ACT, and they have such chemistry, it's a pleasure to watch their relationship unfold. Peter O'Toole seems so fit to the role as the eccentric and domineering but soulful mentor, and he is splendid as usual.

And for the love of God, will someone release this terrific movie on DVD already?!

One of my faves!

[vicente_ss2005 · 10/10 · 14 September 2005]

WOW, EXCELLENT CAST, EXCELLENT STORY, EXCELLENT JODIE'S VOICE AND SONGS!!!. I'm really proud to have a copy of this gem. I can't take off of my mind the beautiful song by Jodie. I like very much the picture of ZOE in the album cover. isn't she beautiful?. She's the most beautiful woman i ever seen in my life. And the act of Ms. Foster in this film is amazing. She's the best actress in world. O'toole is convincing too, but Foster is the BEST ALWAYS. When she sings in the concert, i realised that Jodie can do everything, act, sing, direct, the list never ends... Larry Joshua is good as Zoe boyfriend, and Holly Hunter is good too as Leslie, a girl who want have sex with Johnny (Joshua) when Zoe isn't at home. Fortunately, Zoe discover the truth and abandon him. Well done, Zoe!. Thanks for read my little review.

Poor adaptation of Pygmalion to music. Even so, worth a watch!

[dabreu · 16 November 1999]

Peter O'Toole has played Henry Higgins in TV's version of Pygmalion (My fair lady). Svengali is almost exactly the same story, except that instead of teaching "Eliza" how to speak, he teaches "Zoe" how to sing. O'Toole displays a lot of the brilliance he has as an actor but the performance is no way close to the one in Lawrence of Arabia -- but then again, there was David Lean directing LOA. O'Toole is an excellent character Actor. The music in the film too is quite good, except that Jodie Foster's song that brings her fame in the movie is too overplayed. In the beginning it's a nice tune and her voice is even dare I say pretty good! Worth seeing once at least.

My favorit movie

[oesterby · 10/10 · 13 April 2003]

Two of the greatest - playing together. They are doing it so good, that I can remember THEM; not especially the plot in the movie; but Toole and Forster WAUW! Their emotions became so real!

Memorable!

[catraven-73610 · 9/10 · 16 March 2023]

I saw this movie ONCE as a kid, sometime in the eighties. I can't have been more than 9 or 10 y.o. The thing is; the actors (Foster and O'Toole) did such an amazing job on this! I always think back on this whenever I see any of those two in anything else.

I had seen Foster in some Disney movies before this, but this one was still the one that made her stick in my mind.

I can't remember much of what happens, but I remember their attatchment to eachother, her practicing her singing, he criticizing everything, even how she clears her throat and the end where Fosters character shouts "Svengali!" I can't even remember anything happening outside the appartment/ room where they practice or even the other actors in this movie. Only these two :-)