Politicizing Rent (Calling all Rent-heads; I really need your help)

[tz0o]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 4:36pm

I was talking with my good friend today, and the subject happened to turn towards the Rent movie. I mentioned how much I wanted to see it, to which he responded that it was just more politically correct garbage about an "evil" landlord and aspiring artists who refuse to pay their rent (hence the name). Keep in mind that a) I know nothing about Rent other than what I see in the trailer, and b) my friend is very, very conservative. What is the show Rent really about? Would I enjoy it? Is it really just a bunch of liberal propaganda like he claims? Why is this show controversal?

[Rentaholic2]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 4:42pm

I'm very conservative and I adore Rent. Yes, there are many many liberal themes and aspects that are usually tied to liberalism, but imo, ultimately it is a story of love, life, friendship, hardship, and living each day to the fullest...a story expressed through some of the most vibrant characters and powerful, beautiful music ever. I LOVE it! I know some conservatives can't get past the 'political' stuff or whatever, but some of them just need to grow up and see past the drag queens and lesbians and realize that it is much bigger than that, it truly speaks to everyone.

[musicnmath]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 4:43pm

I'll leave the full explanation to someone else...but *very* little of the show has anything to do with an evil landlord. That's more of a stage setting (forgive the pun) than a plot device. The show is quite simply about love - giving it, getting it, cherishing it, losing it. It's controversial (depending on who you talk to) because of various sexual orientations, drug use, terminally-ill characters (HIV) and a questionable occupation (S&M dancer). Through it all, it's a celebration of life. You've got 10 days to wait. Go see it and judge for yourself.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 4:52pm

Did anyone see the Taye Diggs interview in a recent magazine where he said he wasn't sure if he would be friends with the characters in real life because they seem to be all about acceptance but don't accept Benny (something to the effect of that) ?

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 5:25pm

I'm friends with the Arkansas State President of the Young Republicans, and we sing Rent together in Grammar.

[SignoraDiva]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 5:31pm

Here is a very good and thorough synopsis for you...

http://www.angelfire.com/or2/broadway/rentsynopsis.html

[rose&lark]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 5:41pm

Granted, I haven't seen the movie yet, but I've *cautiously* read some spoilers in the threads here (thank you for the reviews, guys, keep 'em comin'! ) and thought I'd throw in my two cents.

I agree with musicnmath and rentaholic, in that RENT is a celebration of love, and that's probably another reason for having "Seasons" open the film. That song epitomizes the heart of the story: "How do you measure a year? Measure in love." And musicnmath is right, in that Benny being the landlord isn't the main drive of the show. Yes, it is there and is part of the personalities of the characters in how they interact with him, but that doesn't make up the emotional core of the show.

And Mr Midwest, I think I remember seeing a part in the big black RENT book sort of on the same slant, with Taye responding that he always felt apart from the group, because his character was so different and antagonistic (most of the time) to all the other characters.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:09pm

love
friendship
overcoming obstacles
acceptance
AIDS
right and wrong
but in the end, it all coems down to love

[Plum]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:14pm

All art usually ends up being political, and actually, when I saw the Broadway production, I pretty much thought what your friend did. But I'm guessing the reaction of someone who just wanted to kick the damn whiny squatters out isn't what you're looking for.

[hak]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:16pm

the word RENT has another meaning, which is more where the show gets it's title...

to be torn apart [in the case of the show - emotionally torn apart]

take your friend w/ you when go to seeit, open his mind by exposing him something different

[mleshawn]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:36pm

There is a line in RENT that goes "I dont own emotion I rent".

I always thought a large part of the play was about being afraid to love even though it is the one thing we are all so desperate for.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:50pm

I take offense to the term "liberal propaganda" as if what liberals believe and stand for is merely propaganda and somehow not a legitimate point of view.

Is your typical East Village bohemian artist a liberal--you bet. Are these characters liberals saying F U to the establishment? Yes. But, do remember that this musical was written during the Clinton years, so it's not necessarily targeted at Republicans. Just at what the stereotypical Republican stands for...

Updated On: 11/13/05 at 07:50 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:52pm

RENT threads are now officially more annoying than the WICKED threads.

[tz0o]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:56pm

I'm sorry for offending you, jrb.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 7:57pm

Thanks for the apology. I would imagine you never meant anything offensive really. :)