Musicals You'd Like to See Jon M. Chu Adapt for Film- Page 2

[FLarnhill]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 7:55pm

I'd rather have Steven Spielberg direct every movie musical from now on. West Side Story kicked In the Heights' ass so hard.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 8:38pm

FLarnhill said: "I'd rather have Steven Spielberg direct every movie musical from now on. West Side Story kicked In the Heights' ass so hard."

I preferred In the Heights. While I liked Spielberg's West Side Story, one problem I personally had with it was that I didn't think the musical numbers came off well in a more realistic visual setting (especially compared to the surrealism of the 1961 iteration). Plus, he already revealed that he won't be directing any more musicals.
https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/steven-spielberg-pga-awards-2022-breakfast-1235209794/

[Ceej]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 10:02pm

Oh, Calcutta!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 7:54am

ACL2006 said: "could he do an updated version of A Chorus Line?"

A CHORUS LINE is a black box show and expanding it ruins the entire tone of the concept. The entire show is presented in a black void with just the actors and a painted white line with surrealistic lit scenic moments at certain spots. If another “film” attempt is to be made, it needs to be a filming of a live performance, not an expanded film adaptation.

Updated On: 11/21/24 at 07:54 AM

[MagicalMusical]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 11:53am

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "This may not realistically happen in the foreseeable future, but if we ever get a Miss Saigon movie, he'd be my first choice to direct. I especially think it would be a smart move to have an Asian filmmaker at the helm of that musical in particular."

I so agree!

Rentaholic2 said: "Lastly, I think he would do a great job with Book of Mormon if we ever get a movie."

Yes, Book of Mormon!

theatretenor2 said: "Would actually love to see him direct a Wizard of Oz that's true to the original book with the cast of Wicked continuing on.

Others: [...]Next to Normal, Follies"

OMG YES!!!

BwayLB said: "One thing I would love to see is a Hello Dolly remake with Bette Midler reprising the title role. Just imagine the high energy and comedy being brought back to life."

I never got to see that Bette production, but heard it was amazing, so I would LOVE this!

Kad said: "I assume your screen test for the role of Flying Monkey #2 went poorly?"

I laughed so much at this!

JudyDenmark said: "I think he’d do an incredible live-action (Disney’s) Hercules - imagine the spectacle of the production numbers. Hunchback too fwiw. [..] Relatedly, Pippin. Same skepticism on my end that it could ever be better than Fosse, but I’m not the visionary. So much potential for that to be visually spectacular!"

Yes, yes I would love those!

FLarnhill said: "I'd rather have Steven Spielberg direct every movie musical from now on. West Side Story kicked In the Heights' ass so hard."

I did like Spielberg's West Side Story better than In the Heights, but I think that was because of the material for me, not sure it was only a directing difference.

I would like to see Chu do a better Into the Woods. I also would love to see him do Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, probably based a lot on the Douglas Carter Beane version. But these choices are mostly because those are my next favorite musicals after Wicked, and I have not even seen Wicked yet, just heard it is amazing, and I liked the direction of Crazy Rich Asians.

Updated On: 11/21/24 at 11:53 AM

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 1:04pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "NONE"

OMG snap avatar!

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 1:31pm

Spielberg's West Side Story was astounding. His best film in a very long time. Beautiful images. I think Spielberg, Kushner, and Kaminski could've made a beautiful Follies.

I'm obviously less interested in seeing more musicals from Jon M Chu, but I would love to see some great filmmakers, not known for making musicals, take on a movie musical. It worked tremendously well with Spielberg. It's sad that David Lynch's health prevents him from leaving his home as I think he could've made a great movie musical.

Hamaguchi would actually be my pick to direct Sunday in the Park With George. Wes Anderson for Into the Woods. Paul Verhoeven for Gypsy! I think the results would be more interesting, risky, and exciting from them than from any of the "studio mandated musical directors."

Updated On: 11/21/24 at 01:31 PM

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 1:39pm

MagicalMusical said: "Jeffrey Karasarides said: "This may not realistically happen in the foreseeable future, but if we ever get aMiss Saigonmovie, he'd be my first choice to direct. I especially think it would be a smart move to have an Asian filmmaker at the helm of that musical in particular."

I so agree!

Rentaholic2 said: "Lastly, I think he would do a great job with Book of Mormon if we ever get a movie."

Yes, Book of Mormon!

theatretenor2 said: "Would actually love to see him direct a Wizard of Oz that's true to the original book with the cast of Wicked continuing on.

Others: [...]Next to Normal, Follies"

OMG YES!!!

BwayLB said: "One thing I would love to see is a Hello Dolly remake with Bette Midler reprising the title role. Just imagine the high energy and comedy being brought back to life."

I never got to see that Bette production, but heard it was amazing, so I would LOVE this!

Kad said: "I assume your screen test for the role of Flying Monkey #2 went poorly?"

I laughed so much at this!

JudyDenmark said: "I think he’d do an incredible live-action (Disney’s) Hercules - imagine the spectacle of the production numbers. Hunchback too fwiw. [..]Relatedly, Pippin. Same skepticism on my end that it could ever be better than Fosse, but I’m not the visionary. So much potential for that to be visually spectacular!"

Yes, yes I would love those!

FLarnhill said: "I'd rather have Steven Spielberg direct every movie musical from now on. West Side Story kicked In the Heights' ass so hard."

I did like Spielberg's West Side Story better than In the Heights, but I think that was because of the material for me, not sure it was only a directing difference.

I would like to see Chu do a better Into the Woods. I also would love to see him do Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, probably based a lot on the Douglas Carter Beane version. But these choices are mostly because those are my next favorite musicals after Wicked, and I have not even seen Wicked yet, just heard it is amazing, and I liked the direction of Crazy Rich Asians."

Ok first of all, I saw the national tour with Betty Buckley as Dolly and I loved it. Secondly, I like In The Heights and West Side Story equally as 2021 movies. Third, I would be surprised if Chu ever does Cinderella. But I would love to see Beane’s book being adapted. Because I didn’t expect to get loads of laughs out of it.

[MidWestTheater]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 1:43pm

I'm surprised at some of these adaptations for him to direct. Having not seen Wicked yet, but I have seen his step-up films, In The Heights, and the very underrated Jem and the Holograms, I would pick a show with a lot of dancing, that is up beat and colorful. Wasn't he in talks for a re-make of Bye Bye Birdie many years ago? Personally I would love to see his take on Guys and Dolls over Rob Marshall. 

Also a Paul VerHoeven Gypsy would give me life...or Almadovar. Also pairing a great filmmaker who's never done a musical before can have dire consequences, Jersey Boys, Annie, One From the Heart

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 1:47pm

I love One From the Heart! And I'd argue that the films flaws are in the material and not in Coppola's direction. In fact, I think Coppola could've done a great adaptation of Wicked lol.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 2:33pm

MidWestTheater said: "Pairing a great filmmaker who's never done a musical before can have dire consequences, One From the Heart"

To be fair, Francis Ford Coppola did helm the film adaptation of Finian's Rainbow 14 years earlier. So One From the Heart wasn't his first musical.

Updated On: 11/21/24 at 02:33 PM

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 2:53pm

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "MidWestTheater said: "Pairing a great filmmaker who's never done a musical before can have dire consequences, One From the Heart"

To be fair, Francis Ford Coppola did helm the film adaptation of Finian's Rainbow 14years earlier. So One From the Heart wasn't his first musical."

I always forget this! The jump from Finian's Rainbow to The Godfather and The Conversation is so crazy.

 

[MagicalMusical]

Posted: 11/22/24 at 12:05pm

BwayLB said: "Ok first of all, I saw the national tour with Betty Buckley as Dolly and I loved it. Secondly, I like In The Heights and West Side Story equally as 2021 movies. Third, I would be surprised if Chu ever does Cinderella. But I would love to see Beane’s book being adapted. Because I didn’t expect to get loads of laughs out of it."

I did not know Buckley did that! I love her! So glad to hear that is what you thought of the show with her in it! I did not really like In the Heights at all, but you and the critics did, so, that is something. I also doubt Chu would do Cinderella. I hope someday some really good director does a really, really good Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, perhaps with a lot of Beane's book, and all Cinderella-only songs, so maybe original material written to replace the trunk songs they borrow from other shows. I just love that show, that's all. Man, Follies though, I wish!

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/22/24 at 3:10pm

^ Ok I admit as a fan of the classics, I was initially exposed to R+H’s Cinderella when Brandy was the titular character. I mean I do love the multi racial casting (May Whitney RIP), costumes and production design. I wasn’t a big fan of that version because of how The Sweetest Sound and Falling In Love weren’t written by Oscar Hammerstein II. Now that I’m older, I prefer the original broadcast with Julie Andrews.

[leefowler]

Posted: 11/22/24 at 3:51pm

After seeing Wicked, I would like for Chu to direct any damn musical he wants.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 11/22/24 at 4:52pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "I may be in the minority, but I am in the RIGHT!

No, you ARE NOT.

 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 11/22/24 at 4:53pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "I do plan on seeing it, but every bit of footage I see of the film is so poorly blocked and lit and color graded. Wicked should look beautiful. Instead it looks LOUD and amateurish. This required a great director and Jon M Chu is not a great director.

It's disturbing how you people respond to criticism. I can't just find a director's work consistently poor, I have to be a bitter, hater failed actor?I think you're projecting.

Oh and by the way! I find most contemporary directors to be absolute hacks. They don't even understand the basics. These film schools are not teaching craft!"

And what cinematic masterpieces have you helmed?

*crickets*

Yeah. I thought so....

NEEEXTTT!! 

 

 

 

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 11/22/24 at 5:47pm

Georgeanddot2 said: "Spielberg's West Side Story was astounding.
Hamaguchi would actually be my pick to direct Sunday in the Park With George. Wes Anderson for Into the Woods. Paul Verhoeven for Gypsy! I think the results would be more interesting, risky, and exciting from them than from any of the "studio mandated musical directors.""

I thought Spielberg's WSS was a *fine* film but not a great one, but I mostly resented how he and Kushner changed a musical which revolutionized the way dance and movement was used to tell a story, into a VERY talky, traditional *book* musical with dance as a secondary thought (though Spielberg showed he could film dance well.)

David Fincher way back talked about how he wanted to make a movie musical (he even brought up Evita at one point) and I still would like to see that--he got his start in music videos where he always showed how well he filmed and edited dance and movement (everything from the All That Jazz homage of Paula Abdul's Cold Hearted Snake, to Madonna's Vogue, Express Yourself, etc) 

As for Chu, I have to agree with others who take exception to the idea that now he should just do an adaptation of any musical they love.  Nothing in his work (which I've liked a lot) would make me think he was a good fit for something like, as suggested, Next to Normal. 

And I will say in Georgeanddot2's (partial) defence, they're not the only one to complain about the desaturated colour grading in Wicked--a lot of critics and some people I know have complained about it. 

 

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 11/22/24 at 5:48pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "ACL2006 said: "could he do an updated version of A Chorus Line?"

A CHORUS LINE is a black box show and expanding it ruins the entire tone of the concept. The entire show is presented in a black void with just the actors and a painted white line with surrealistic lit scenic moments at certain spots. If another “film” attempt is to be made, it needs to be a filming of a live performance, not an expanded film adaptation.

"

And don't forget that Ryan Murphy still owns the rights and apparently is still going ahead with some high concept A Chorus Line series *rolls eyes*

[Elibal]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 9:28am

To me the 2 musicals that are obvious choices and seem natural for a film adaptation are Ragtime and The Baker's Wife, but I'm not sure Jon M. Chu would be my choice for either. To me Ragtime screams Spielberg and I don't know about Baker's Wife, has anyone succesfully rendered a chamber musical film in the last decades?

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 10:24am

How about Steve McQueen for a RAGTIME movie? His new film, BLITZ, is about halfway to being a musical. (Saoirse Ronan also has a lovely, if limited, singing voice! The type of voice that could destroy Send In The Clowns a decade from now…..)

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 10:36am

If SAIGON ever gets made (which I kind of doubt — the IP’s relevance is long gone), I think they’d need a really skilled action filmmaker. Spielberg obviously could do it, or Ed Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave), or Ang Lee, or Joe “Top Gun Maverick” Kosinski, or James Mangold. Kathryn Bigelow???

As far as movies go, I’d be more interested in a MISS SAIGON that removed the songs tbh...

Updated On: 11/23/24 at 10:36 AM

[MagicalMusical]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 4:03pm

Hm. I don't think I know enough about all the directors out there to pick the perfect ones for which specific musicals. I am seeing Wicked very soon, I should use that to determine if I think he'd be good for Follies or Next to Normal. I was just going by the fact almost everyone, almost, thinks he'd be good at any movie musical. Except I really did not like In the Heights. but again, probably because of the material. I'd love if Spielberg did Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, but he said no more musicals for him, so, oh well. Plus, yeah, I'm sure people feel that show would be beneath his talents or not the kind of more emotional thing he would do. Well maybe he could lean into the kingdom's poverty or Cinderella and her stepsister getting disowned parts of Beane's book, or someone writes a more emotional book. Anyway, I just looked up Wes Anderson, and really, Georgeanddot2, for Into the Woods?! I have not seen Fantastic Mr. Fox, but that is the only film on his filmography that I would wanna see, I did not like his others I have seen!

BwayLB said: "^ Ok I admit as a fan of the classics, I was initially exposed to R+H’s Cinderella when Brandy was the titular character. I mean I do love the multi racial casting (May Whitney RIP), costumes and production design. I wasn’t a big fan of that version because of how The Sweetest Sound and Falling In Love weren’t written by Oscar Hammerstein II. Now that I’m older, I prefer the original broadcast with Julie Andrews."

I think the Brandy version is the best one other than the Beane version. Brandy's is the best of the filmed versions because it is the most entertaining, and yep, the multiracial casting, costumes, and production design are great (plus I love the transformations!). But my favorite is actually the Lesley Ann Warren version, because, while her acting is affected, it is also lively and her emotional scenes are near heartbreaking. I do however like all 4 versions, there is something good in all of them, and yeah, Julie's great and at least that one is all original songs.

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 4:25pm

Yes I think Wes Anderson would've done an excellent Into the Woods and it would even thematically connect to the rest of his work. There's a myth that his films are cold and removed and it's actually quite the opposite. I think the original production is Wes Andersony (in delivery, not really in design). Sondheim needs a director who can embrace theatricality and artificiality without feeling self-conscious about. Burton's Sweeney was horribly apologetic about being a musical and Marshall (Into the Woods) has always been self conscious about theatricality.

Having now seen Wicked, everything I said about Chu's inability to compose an image and block and light a scene is unfortunately very true. What did surprise me was how incoherent his storytelling is as well. Weirdly disjointed. Felt like Marvel studios' Wicked. Not a very nice looking movie with lots of clunky VFX. The singing was very nice and I liked that they left all the songs in! Also makes a great case against digital cameras. I don't like the musical itself very much, but that at least has the decency to look nice and only be 2 hours long.

Updated On: 11/23/24 at 04:25 PM

[hork]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 4:54pm

Georgeanddot2 said:
Having now seen Wicked, everything I said about Chu's inability to compose an image and block and light a scene is unfortunately very true. What did surprise me was how incoherent his storytelling is as well. Weirdly disjointed."

I haven't seen Wicked yet but that's exactly how I felt about In the Heights.