Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

#1

Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:35pm

I just finished watching one of my favorite movies "Cinema Paradiso" and it struck me that it would be a wonderful musical.

Although, it might be to close in subject matter to "Nine" Does anybody have any thoughts?

Updated On: 8/26/06 at 07:35 PM

#2

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:38pm

Love the movie. Which cut are you referring to? The directors cut (which is my fav) has an entire 3rd act that was cut out of the original release.

---

"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx

#3

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:39pm

It's always tough to have a kid carry a musical. What (not as a musical) did you think of "Il Postino"?

For what it's worth, I'd like to see a musicalization of Jean de Floret/Manon of the Spring.

#4

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:42pm

Yep just watched the Director’s Cut. Amazing. The last five minutes of that movie always makes me cry like a baby.

I just think this material naturally lends itself to a musical definitely more than Piazza

#5

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:48pm

Hawker, I agree with your kid assessment. It probably hasn't been successfully done since Annie.

But maybe it could be restructured so you have his adult self (obviously as the narrator) the actual lead. I don't know. It’s just a great story!

Updated On: 8/26/06 at 07:48 PM

#6

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:50pm

I agree. Tough role for a kid. Especially since the "kid" is portrayed in three different ages. Not convinced that the movie "sings", but there are certainly elements that might work.

"Il Postino" is not my fav, but it's been awhile since I've seen it. (Now that I speak Italian, it might be better!)

---

"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx

#7

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:52pm

The other problem is that the film score itself is so identified with the movie, it would be hard to separate from it for any potential composer.

---

"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx

#8

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 7:55pm

Maybe a dumb question, but is Ennio Morricone still alive? Maybe he could collaborate?

#9

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 8:00pm

He's still around and actually booked until 2008. He's a very nice man, and has written special material for performers, but I highly doubt he'd be willing to do a Broadway score at this point in his life. Who knows?

---

"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx

#10

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 8:07pm

Tom since your a composer I nominate you to make the first contatc : )

#11

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 8:13pm

Last time I spoke to him was 6 years ago at an event in Rome. I seem to have misplaced his current number...

Anyhow, as much as I love the film, I wouldn't go near changing his music or competing with that great score. I'm not sure I'd want to collaborate with him either! The commute, as much as I love Rome, is tiring. (Been there, done that for too many years.)

Maybe you should try, Mark?

---

"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx

#12

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/26/06 at 10:01pm

I think it would make a fab musical! I also agree with Hawker about FLORETTE/MANON as a musical. Or perhaps an opera. Two of my all-time favorite movies.

TT

---

"Me flunk English? That's unpossible!" - Ralph Wiggum

#13

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/28/06 at 11:23pm

One of my ALL time favorite films... I initial reaction is no to any musical adaptation... the story is soo steeped in the medium of film that a stage adaption would only do it as a diservice.

---

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart; and you'll never walk alone.

#14

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:09am

I think it could make a beautiful musical, but i realize the reservations about the already perfect score and having a child carry most of the show. Il Postino might also make a nice musical.

#15

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:19am

What does a film that is a valentine to cinema have to do with the stage or musical theatre? Keep Morricone in films where he belongs






Sister Luke
The Belgian Congo

#16

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:24am

"What does a film that is a valentine to cinema have to do with the stage or musical theatre? Keep Morricone in films where he belongs."

I couldn't agree more. I think it would lose all of its meaning and magic onstage.

#17

re: Cinema Paradiso as a Musical?

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:34am

allmost all Italian movies are ready to be musicalised cause they and often have an historical background, and of course the BIG Italian emotions

But my top 3 movie to pick out be musicalised would be: Una Giornata Particolare, Novecento, and Fellini's la dolce vita