FUN HOME Film Adaptation — Page 3

Someone in a Tree2 said: "I'm all for movie adaptations of great musicals, but does no-one else here feel that the story this show tells is resolutely uncinematic? Sure they can put "Telephone Wire" in a real car driving past streetlamps and traffic lights, but I think this is a show that would really resist the literalness of film. "Ring of Keys" is a lovely song, but do we really need to see the bull dyke delivery lady and her keysenter the diner to appreciate it better? Also the actual plot is Allison's attempt to untangle some meaning in the suicide of her Dad--a task she ultimately fails at. Does that sound like a great arc for a film?

Just asking."

If this film happens, and it's not official yet, I think it will have to be reconsidered to work as a film. The musical is one of my favorites, but some of the details that are most effective do so with the help of the viewer's imagination. That said, one of the reasons the musical works is that it's both specific (gay daughter thinking of her relationship with her closeted gay father) and more general (parents and children, trying to figure out the difficult mysteries of one's parent as an adult). I've dealt with the latter issue myself, so I found the show deeply affecting. I don't see why a smartly-budgeted and creatively-directed musical can't work as a small, prestige project. I hope it works.

^As she was likely directed to do?

Someone in a Tree2 said: "[...] does no-one else here feel that the story this show tells is resolutely uncinematic? [...] Just asking."

and darquegk said: "I’m hoping large chunks of the film will be animated. It seems only fitting."

and Call_me_jorge said: "It will probably be a niche film that only goes around the indie circuit with a limited release in like 3 cities."

RE: "uncinematic", I think it depends on your definition of, or perception of what cinematic might be. Cinematic, like in reference to films like Lawrence of Arabia or Ben Hur? Well... no.

But, my hopes are similar to darquegk's. I agree that "it seems only fitting".

I think one obstacle to overcome is that the story is Gay-centric. Even though there are common, relatable themes for a non-Gay audience (coming of age issues, disappointment with parents, etc.), I think Call_me_jorge's prediction is a possibility.

In the theatre world, there's a larger audience for Gay-centric themes. For this particular story, I think it's possible to appeal to a wider audience (overcome the "niche" relegation), by taking advantage of the built-in opportunities for creative use of animation. (I'm thinking about films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse, and A Scanner Darkly)

I think that any story can be "cinematic". For me, it relies on the creative application of cinematic techniques. This particular story has a built-in opportunity for creative use of animation. ...and who knows what other cinematic story-telling techniques might be employed. The source material is a graphic novel, told in non-linear time, so there's a possibility for playing not only with animation, but "...a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff".

White... a blank page, or canvas. So many possibilities.

I think this is great, and I'm not surprised that Gyllenhaal would want to do this and to be involved in continuing to support this work. His commitment to theater projects is obvious at this point. I think he's ideally cast and I certainly disagree that he's too young for the role. Michael Cerveris was 43 when he first played the role and Jake will be at least 40 when it's done for film. That's not a stretch.

Watch Anne Hathaway's final scene in Brokeback Mountain where she's on the phone with Ennis telling him how Jack died. She is stoic, icy, and reserved but flat out knows who this man is. It's VERY what "Days and Days and Days" should be.

Anne is very capable of singing this score and acting it in a multitude of ways. If she and the director want stoic and holding emotions, she can do it. If she and the director want her to weep and scream, she can do it. I don't think she'd want to recreate the same dynamics as Brokeback vs doing something else new, but she's a very strong choice. Not to mention that Jake is allegedly very picky with his leading ladies (he quit Burn/This because Ruth Wilson wasn't available) and he has worked with Anne and likes her.

Bruce Bechdel in his prime? Would do.

raddersons said: "Bruce Bechdel in his prime? Would do."

When Jake Gyllenhaal sings "not too bad, if I say so myself, I might still break a heart or two...", y'all will really feel that.

Florence Pugh as Medium Allison plz

Is it confirmed anywhere that it is indeed a musical version being made? Everything I've seen just says "film adaptation of the musical" which could mean a straight film.