BroadwayGirl107 on the RENT film. (With spoilers) — Page 6

As an artist, I love to hear constructive criticism and hear all sides of the argument. There's no way to improve unless you hear the good points AND the bad points, right? Then you know what you need to work on.

Either way, this has become ridiculous. I stand with Emcee, Craig and Amasis.

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Updated On: 11/14/05 at 11:41 AM

Thanks, Craig. Sometimes I think we, as people, give our opinions without thinking too much of those who may disagree with us or see the movie/play/book, etc. in a different way. The film itself is a living, breathing thing but it is also now static. It is what it is, for better or worse and our opinions will not change the film itself. But perhaps with continued discussion with those who both agree and disagree with us, we can learn to see the different aspects of the film from a new perspective. For example, as a fan of "Goodbye Love," I'm a little bummed to hear that I won't be seeing it in the film. But maybe talking to someone who isn't familiar with Rent or doesn't know that there's something "missing" there will be able to make me see this in a new way. Perhaps the absence of this song will end up being something I like about the movie.

It's so early in the life of this movie to be saying for sure how we feel about it. I know I'll need time and space to continue to experience it, soak it in and completely process it. Instead of viewing these reviews and critiques as someone's definitive and final word on the movie, perhaps we should allow for new interpretations and change. Those who created the film began the discourse, gave these ideas and themes a tangible body. Now we, as the audience, have been placed with the task of continuing that discourse and determining what kind of impact it will have on us. In the end, it is the audience that determines the life of a work like this.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I feel like I just need to get something out there:

In my opinion, Rent cannot be confined to the restraints of theater or film. Some people will like it, some people won’t- there are conservatives who love it and liberals who hate it. Some people will say that Rent's use (or lack of use) of a set on the stage adds or subtracts from the feel of the show. Some think Rent was a magnificent revolutionizing take on how Broadway could be used to send out a positive, love-filled message. Some think that it is merely an angst telling of issues that shouldn't be front and center in the eyes of an audience.

That said- the movie will be the same way. Maybe some things that one person would call a new and awesome way of filming, to others will seem inferior to "better" films. To each their own. But that's really not the point, nor, in my opinion, what Jonathan Larson wanted to get across to people. It's the message of Rent that is important, whether you think that it is love, acceptance, or merely a way of having your beliefs challenged and a new way to "shove" gay rights in your face. If you see Rent, and it makes you think of love, or hate, or annoyance, then it has done it's job.

Katygrace, no need to apologize. I realize many people do not want to read reviews before they see the film, and that's fine. I think it's a good choice to make so you go in and form your own opinions.

Of course, there are those who seem to pick and choose whose reviews they want to read on this matter, and that confuses me. But... *shrug*.

I hate that there is so much drama on this theatre site.

I admit that I am swayed-ish by certain people who I know read the boards...but, then again, if I were friends with someone performing, directing, writing, etc. I would be less critical of them.

But sometimes the pen (or finger) turns to a sword and you just have to release all that negative criticism.

I completely agree, katygrace.

Bah! Theatre kids always invoke the most drama, in my experience.

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Haha, right. Which kind of leads me back to the picking and choosing to read reviews that you know will only please you. What's the purpose? It gives you no food for thought.

Well, that's something we CAN say for this piece. I think people are having very strong opinions about it.

Anthony -

In light of various comments regarding staging of different numbers in the film (particularly Another Day and What You Own), I'm interested in your thoughts on the staging of these numbers, or for that matter, numbers you feel could have been shot more effectively.

I am truly sad that such a respectable person had to come back for a reason such as this. I have only read parts of two reviews, one positive one negative and am still very excited about the movie. The soundtrack is amazing and even if it is different from the play (which we all new would happen they are two very very different arenas of entertainment) I know that Rent the movie has stayed true to the story and more importanly, the point of Rent the musical. For me, that is all that matters and the fact that millions more will be exposed to the message is the most thrilling thing ever

Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I think a lot of the fact that ppl are only reading certain reviews stems from the fact that most of us are yet to see the movie. I do plan on reading all reviews after I've seen it, but thus far at least I have only read thoughts from people I'm friends with, just b/c I've talked about it w/ them for so long that I had to know their final thoughts.

I also think it is important to try to avoid reviews before you see a film before you judge it, b/c they are certain to sway you, but I do think negative reviews can be more swaying than positive reviews, also keeping in mind people want to like it, and would rather read about more positives so they go in w/ a more positive viewpoint. I really don't think it's so much everyone who's seen it has no desire to read negative things about it.

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