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WALK THE LINE - Musical or Drama?

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#1

WALK THE LINE - Musical or Drama?

Yes, it is a drama. But the question is: is it a musical?

I'm in a debate with someone because WALK THE LINE was nominated for "Best Comedy or Musical" and not "Best Drama" at the Golden Globes.

What do you say? Musical or not?
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#2

re: WALK THE LINE - Musical or Drama?

NOT a musical. The Globes are just stupid -- remember when THE MASK OF ZORRO was nominated for Best Musical or Comedy, when it was neither?
BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."
#3

re: WALK THE LINE - Musical or Drama?

But why or why not a musical?

Their reasons why it is a musical: the music drives the story, there are songs sung by the characters, etc.

My reasons why it is not: the film's storytelling is not musically driven. It's a straight film with songs input for biographical purposes. While the songs are emotionally attached to the character, they are not sung to express specific emotion for specific events relating directly to the character.

Agree? Disagree? I'm finding it hard to express my opinion.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#4

re: WALK THE LINE - Musical or Drama?

Don't worry, I completely understand you.

I'm more convinced by the reasons of it not being a musical. If any movie with scenes of songs performed the character were considered musicals, then you'd have things like VISION QUEST being a musical (because it features two songs performed by Madonna).
BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."
#5

re: WALK THE LINE - Musical or Drama?

For the purpose of the Golden Globes, it is a musical because it stands a better chance of winning awards in the musical/comedy category than in the drama category. Joaquim Phoenix will win because he is not up against Heath Ledger or Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He's against Nathan Lane.

Last year, James Spader and Bill Shatner won Emmys for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor In a Drama for their roles on Boston Legal. Today, it was announced that they are both up for Best Actor in a COMEDY for the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Apparantly, Boston Legal has officially declred itself a comedy.
#6

re: WALK THE LINE - Musical or Drama?

In most cases the studios will push for an actor, picture to be nominated in a specific category to broaden the chances of a win.

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