The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)

Two brothers known as the fabulous Baker boys (Jeff Bridges, Beau Bridges) play piano in hotel cocktail lounges across the state. As their bookings dwindle, they hire a girl singer (Michelle Pfeiffer) in an attempt to make the act more appealing. It works ... but her presence causes an unspoken tension between the brothers to simmer to the surface. Fabulous is right! A superbly written character piece enhanced by its three central performances and a couple of musical numbers that stand out enough that you almost wish for a full blown musical. Although he broke out of the gate first, Beau Bridges' career seemed get lost in the shadow of little brother Jeff's career once it took off. But here, he goes toe to toe with his brother and proves he's his father's son (that's Lloyd to you). But the film belongs to Michelle Pfeiffer whose performance grabbed just about every best actress award that year (except the Oscar). It's not an actress-y performance by any means yet she gets under the skin of an "escort service" worker trying to make the transition to show business. Her scenes with Jeff Bridges crackle. The film's one weak spot is the audition scene: really, 37 girls and none of them can carry a tune? Inventively shot by Michael Ballhaus with a nicely moody score by Dave Grusin. Written and directed by Steve Kloves (one of only two movies he's directed). With Jennifer Tilly and Xander Berkeley.