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

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?

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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.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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

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

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