BroadwayGirl107 on the RENT film. (With spoilers)- Page 6
BroadwayGirl107 on the RENT film. (With spoilers)
#126Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 11:41am
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.
"Oh, good. After all, I can rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time, and I can do it with my eyes closed while whistling 'The Entertainer.' That's rhythm for you."
~ Snaps, proving that White Boys CAN have rhythm
Updated On: 11/14/05 at 11:41 AM
#127Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 11:54am
Once again Craig's post is flawless and right to the point. I couldn't agree more !!
And since Anthony reads us, I may be OT, but I am dying to take the opportunity and ask, if he has any knowledge and if he can of course disclose it, about the DVD. Will it be a, full of features, deleted scenes, Original Broadway Show bits etc. one like we RENTheads hope and pray, or a more subtle one ? Of course we are getting it anyway, but I have to ask 
#128Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 12:02pm
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.
BroadwayGirl107
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/03
#129Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 12:05pm
Craig, I completely agree with your "p.s." and much of what you said in your first post, but I think your "but that's just me" comment says a lot. I'm glad that you will not be swayed...neiither will I. In this situation I stand by my opinion that this film has quite a few large unforgivable flaws, many small ones that add up, and it all diminishes the power of the film. I'll stand by that. I think one day I'll be able to watch the movie without being too hung up on that (well, I hope), but I'm not going to by any means withdraw my criticism of the film. It IS flawed, and no matter how much processing of this film I do...it will be flawed, and a better job could have been done. Bottom line. No star will make me want to withdraw that statement.
But that's me....and like you said, the fact that you personally would not feel pressured into changing your opinion on something is just you. I think there are other people out there who ARE easily pressured (perhaps even without a star of a film TELLING them to change their opinions) into siding with a film star's opinions.
Updated On: 11/14/05 at 12:05 PM
Shiksa Goddess2
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/8/05
#130Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 12:10pm
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.
#131Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 12:24pm
I couldn't agree more, Shiksa. One of my concerns in reading all the reviews, and one that I'm sure the filmmakers shar(d), is that those with a deep love of the stage production will not be able to separate their pre-conceived ideas with this new reinterpretation. Of course the music is amazing and we love the story, etc. But what is really important is the message, the heart, the feeling of Rent. And I'm sure we are all going to have a different take on that, as well. But, like I said, those differing opinions should be used to further the discussion.
BroadwayGirl, I apologize that I haven't read or responded directly to your review. I just want to wait until I see the movie for myself to read much more about it. But once I do, I will be eager to discuss with you and others not just how we feel but why we all feel that way.
BroadwayGirl107
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/03
#132Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 12:31pm
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*.
wickedrentq
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/6/04
#133Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 12:38pm
Thank you Craig, that was exactly my point.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't get specific here...but Evelyn, are you reading what you've actually been writing? A barrier is appropriate? I mean, do you realize you're inferring an uncomfortableness w/ the first amendment of the Constitution?? It's like I said in my earlier post, if you have the right to post anything you want w/o being swayed by anyone's presence here, shouldn't the same go for ppl involved in the creative process? If people do get swayed despite being pleaded w/ constantly not to change their opinions or let a presence affect what is said...then there's nothing that can be done about it. It's like I said in the beginning, if you are not comfortable w/ the idea of posting in a completely public forum where absolutely anyone can read or respond to your posts, you should rethink posting things publicly.
Well, and since we got quick questions in, Anthony for the Q&A benefit screening on the 22nd, will the cast be in the theatre actually there watching the screening with us somewhere or just come for the Q&A after? Suppose it doesn't matter much, just curious.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
BSoBW2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/8/04
#134Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 12:48pm
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.
#135Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 1:06pm
BroadwayGirl- As someone who places a high value on honest and thorough critical discourse, I, too, find it odd that more people don't want to read all the reviews they can find, simply to continue the conversation. I think the best thing we can do for ourselves sometimes is to take in and consider the opinions of people who disagree with us. Even if they don't offer you any insight into your own opinions, you can certainly profit from the discussion in other ways.
BroadwayGirl107
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/03
musicnmath
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/13/05
#138Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 1:16pm
Bah! Theatre kids always invoke the most drama, in my experience. 
"Oh, good. After all, I can rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time, and I can do it with my eyes closed while whistling 'The Entertainer.' That's rhythm for you."
~ Snaps, proving that White Boys CAN have rhythm
BroadwayGirl107
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/03
BroadwayGirl107
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/03
#143Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 2:16pmI think part of that is because people have formed such a strong attachment to it over the years. It has become so important to so many people. No matter what Columbus and the rest of the crew did, there were bound to be people who found fault with different aspects of the show. In that sense, I kind of feel like as long as the Larsons and the original cast are happy with the finished movie, then it's a success. Because we don't have Jonathan here to say, "Yes, that's it. That's my vision," we have to look to the people who knew him and the people who were there at the beginning to be the interpreters.
DiamondGirl
Stand-by Joined: 10/1/05
#144Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 2:40pm
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.
Stand-by Joined: 12/31/69
#146Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 3:25pmI 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
WickedRentLuv
Stand-by Joined: 11/5/05
wickedrentq
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/6/04
#148Defense
Posted: 11/14/05 at 3:59pm
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.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
Marquise
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/1/04
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