RENT: Live from Broadway (Film) - Thoughts- Page 2

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 1:04am

i'm going to agree with other people about the jummp cuts... i also didn't like the shakiness of some of the shots... i felt like i was watching the Bourne Supremacy again with all the damn shakey camera movements! and i also didn't care for some of the views where they show the lights... so bright!

other than that.. i loved this film... great cast... made me really sad this show isn't playing on broadawy anymore...

[snl89]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 1:10am

You know what really got to me? Thinking about the fact that... the very theater in which that video was shot isn't even... like that anymore pretty much. EVERYTHING about the Nederlander is going to be different. And I know it probably sounds a bit melodramatic, but I really don't know that I'd be able to handle going and seeing another show there anytime soon. If it was just that the theater was switching over shows, that I could get over. But it's being COMPLETELY renovated. And I get why it NEEDS to be done, but at the same time... it's really an emotional thing. That theater... that theater holds SO much memory from the last 12 years, and now all of that memory is going to be thrown out and re-covered into this new theater that won't even feel like the RENT theater anymore.. So, when I started thinking about that I got pretty sad


I also just have a little question: did they edit the very last part of the video, like right after the full group (including OBC and other RENT members) finished doing Seasons of Love? Because it was a very big thing for me, seeing Anthony clap up to Jonathan (I think he does do it after every RENT-related thing, but I've never seen it before), and I'm preeeetty darn sure it was NOT there in the video! I was looking specifically for it, and I it was just like ".. wtf? why would they cut out something like that!? it's so powerful!"

That was just a little thing, but yeah :)


Tonight was such a cathartic experience <3

[evitakita]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 2:36am

I saw it tonight at the Metreon in San Francisco. Absolutely gorgeous, everything about it. I'll admit I haven't been following whose in the cast, so I was pleasantly surprised to see both Eden and Tracie, who were both phenomenal. I also really enjoyed the actors playing Mimi, Roger, and Angel (he was the funniest I've seen). It was filmed beautifully...for the most part, the camera caught all of the pertinent reactions of various characters that I always watch for it particular scenes.

My one pet peeve, which I realize some may disagree with: I was disappointed in the OBC members that didn't show up at the end. I realize everyone is busy with their own stuff, but for most of them, RENT really started their careers, and I thought it was a shame (and a bit tacky to boot), that several didn't make time to make an appearance.

But yeah, overall, phenomenal. I'm thrilled to hear that it's going to be made a DVD.
Updated On: 9/25/08 at 02:36 AM

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 3:19am

I was largely impressed with it. This captured more of the feeling that I wished the movie failed to capture. The feeling was there, or much closer to being there.
Some of the close ups were a bit dizzying toward the beginning, but I got over that quickly. The performances were great, the sound was great, the picture was crisp and clear. I do hope this really does get a DVD release because it is a far better representation of what Rent is/was than what Hollywood was able to give us.

[DMsquared2]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 6:37am

Which movie theater in Pittsburgh did you see Rent?

I'm planning on going to the matinee at 1 PM on Saturday at Showcase Cinemas Pittsburgh North.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 7:21am

Thank God. Hopefully this is released on DVD and can replace the dreadful film adaptation on my shelf.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 12:32pm

I wish I had seen whatever EugLoven saw as it must have been entirely different. I could not describe the erratic editing as "perfection" in any way. And for those who loved Over the Moon, did any of you happen to catch how it was originally performed? To me, it has just deteriorated into such a self-indulgent hamfest. Previously, it didn't attempt to extract the laughs from the audience with cutesy poses and takes and holds for laughter. Now, it plays like an old sitcom bit directed by Don Knotts.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 12:53pm

"This captured more of the feeling that I wished the movie failed to capture."

Totally. What?

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 12:53pm

I posted this in another thread:

I saw it last night. In a nutshell, I was not as impressed as I had hoped to be. The film comes off like an MTV video. The cameras were all over the place. Very few times did the camera pull back to let you take in all that was going on in a scene. Instead you got a lot of close-ups of hand gestures, groin thrusts(!), head turns and facial reactions. In my opinion it sucked most of the relationships between characters right out of the show. As for the cast....the show was pretty well sung. A lot of notes that we are used to being held longer are cut short and the show has lost its rock edge. I don't know the names of every cast member but the guy who played Mark seemed to just walk through his part. Will Chase just had no personality in the part. Ms Goldsberry (Who I saw in Color Purple) while posessing a wonderful voice, was very miscast as Mimi. The two that came off best in the film, in my opinion, were Ms. Espinosa and Ms. Thoms. And I was waiting for mr. Mcelroy to nail I'll Cover You (reprise). He didn't. He has a great voice and I like what he did with a lot of his songs, but the reprise just lacked some passion and was mostly vocal "styling". I could go on, but I won't! If you have not seen it yet, judge for yourself. Also, they gave out survey sheets and one question was where you heard about the film. Other sites were listed but BWW was not. A few of us went to the kids that were handing them out and told them we were writing in this site and checking it off. And at the theater I went to in Denver, it was shown on a smaller screen so we lost about a foot of the film at the top and bottom of the screen. When the movie started, the projectionist did not open the curtains fully so for Act I, we also lost about a foot or two on either side. During intermission I went to a manager and he called the projection booth and we at least got the curtains open fully so we didn't lose that film on the sides. The disappointment of this film actually makes me want to see the upcoming tour even more. I know want to see it onstage so I can take everything in. And I hope they cast some fresh new talent outside of Pascal and Rapp to bring this show back alive.

A lot of us were waiting for the extra footage or special features that never came. (Maybe they will put them on the DVD. But we were under the impression they were to be included with the movie) I seem to recall that in the initial announcement for the film it was said that we would get some extra's. The montage during No Day But Today was nice, but I will let you in on a little fantasy ending I have thought about for the final performance in the theatre...It would have been nice to have had all of the cast members past and present represented and right at the final No Day But Today, a picture of Mr. Larson ended the montage on the back wall of the stage and stayed there through the encore of Seasons of Love. Yes we got his picture in the movie, but I think it would have been nice to do that night. (Or maybe they did? We did't see the film onstage, only the one done for the movie) So for the 20 bucks we paid to see this, I think it was worth about $10.00. I will most likely not buy the DVD unless they re-edit it (Which won't happen). I suggest that whoever directed this and edited it, take a look at some shows that have been filmed in the past (Sunday, Passion, Legally Blonde, Into the Woods) and take some notes. Just my opinions!

Updated On: 9/25/08 at 12:53 PM

[shameless]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 1:03pm

I was very happily surprised. In fact, I loved it too.

No, it's not as good as seeing the show live. It can't be. There's no substitute for the energy of being in the theatre, but it was just about as good as it could've been.

I wasn't thrilled with some of the cast, and the sound was a little off in places.

However, I do agree that the camera work was amazing. I thought it was worth my $20 to see it on a big screen.

[bwayfan9]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 6:10pm

I saw it in my town and it was unbeliveable!!!!! Almost as good as seeing it live

[crushgroove]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 7:46pm

OMG...complain, complain, complain....

That's all RENT fans seem to do.
The filmmakers tried to give RENT you all something that was a fair representation of the show. For some reason...none of you are ever satisfied. Always griping about something.

1. The editing...if you break it down...RENT is a very busy show...sometimes multiple things are going on on the stage at one time. Take for instance Christmas Bells...there are at least 4 separate things going on at the same time. When you see it live, you can focus on what you want to. But in movies you can't...unless you want a static shot of the entire stage...which would be boring. So the filmmakers tried to get in everything you were supposed to see...through editing. Did anyone see Legally Blonde on MTV? It was horrible...I felt nothing while I was watching it...they kept taking you out of the experience by showing you the audience and far away shots taking you outside the proscenium. I think what was on screen was the best representation of what a stage performance of the show is.

2. The close-ups...seeing a show live and seeing a film are 2 different experience. Live theatre has a way of conveying emotion without you being right on top of the actors. But with film, you have to see facial expressions. Take for instance, love scene in a movie... Do you think a love scene would be as effective if the camera is all the way across the room in a wide angle shot? NO...it's all about intimacy. In live theatre, you're in an intimate space, in the same room...but in film, you're not...so the director has to compensate for that.

3. The "shaky" cam...it gives the sense of urgency...movement. It also was used sparingly and in places where it was showing the actor's point of view. It was also used in places where an actor wasn't facing upstage. I'm also guessing that the "shaky" cam clips come from the actual final performance and that the cameramen holding they are probably in the wings of the stage, filming between props and skrims and whatnot. I actually liked these clips and brought me more into the show.

Finally...take this film as a gift to us RENT fans. Most shows never get this kind of filming/attention. So don't look a gift horse in the mouth. At least we aren't left with just the Chris Columbus monstrosity. BE THANKFUL....Jonathon Larson would have wanted you to.

Updated On: 9/25/08 at 07:46 PM

[Craww]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 7:53pm

I didn't even notice any of the "shaky cam" people are complaining about. I think some people are just super sensitive to that. I know my mom is. And she didn't complain about it with Rent at all, so apparently there are those even worse off than her.

I do think there were too many closeups. But I still think it was edited very well.

[winston89]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 10:39pm

I remember reading in another thread that the DVD was going to be released on in early spring. Someone said that they heard this from a camera guy who was doing interviews with audience members outside The Nederlander while they were waiting to get in for the final performance.

Now I am hearing that it is going to be in the winter.

Regardless, I am going to Providence Road Island on saturday to see the Legally Blonde tour. I found out that Rent is playing in a movie theatre there so I am going to grab a ticket and see it while I am there considering the fact that I am not going to be able to see it while I am at my college.

[bwayfan3]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 11:09pm

I'm watching it on Saturday. I can't wait to see it.

[Rentheadut]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 11:12pm

Saw the show tonight in NYC. Despite a few complaints here and there....I feel like I just saw the show again for the first time.

The movie forces you to see the show through completely different eyes....and I thought it was AMAZING. Blew me away.

[PhantomTango1]

Posted: 9/25/08 at 11:25pm

Very well said, crushgroove!

I saw it tonight and loved it. Updated On: 9/25/08 at 11:25 PM

[musicallover2008]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 12:07am

So how crazy has the mooing been in the theatres you've been to. I'm not going till Saturday and it just crossed my mind.

[HollyImposter]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 12:32am

There were only 13 people in the theater.. they haven't really advertised it.. at least where I live... so no mooing.

But I must say, this was about as amazing as I think it could have been. Lots of tears were shed by the sheer amazingness and the sadness. But mostly from the amazingness!

Absolutely wonderful job. I'm so glad people have a chance to see this as opposed to the movie, if they weren't able to get to see the show.

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 12:57am

I thought it was filmed almost perfectly. Renee Elise Goldsberry was fantastic! I can't wait to see what she's in next.

[evadiva]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 1:06am

Saw it in South Jersey tonight. And like most have posted, the turnout was dismal. That sucks. I think it's always special and exciting to have a Broadway show preserved in this way. Poor sales might hurt the chances that it will happen again.

[RogerFilmmaker]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 1:12am

Just saw the live film. I'm not sure what film some of you saw but I can't agree with you on the editing and videography. The performances were amazing but the shots were way to close, half of them the camera was moving all around and out of focus. I hope for the great performances sake if they release this on dvd they re-edit it. Go with way more medium shots and wide shots so we can see the show and performances. They had a fabulous crane and dolly working there and when they used those shots in the second act they were amazing. Otherwise they turned an amazing show into trash because of the lousy videography. The color was vibrant and looked great half the time but the least we can ask for is for the cameraman to have a finished shot, not waving it around, finding a shot then focussing. Some of you say that is for a "MTV" video style. Well I work in the film industry and have shot many live events and concerts and thats not a style. A ****ty cameraman may call it a style but it's just plain crappy camerawork. Those shots just distract and keep cutting us away from the juice of the great performances. Let the moments be savored. Like I said earlier, they don't have to be wide stage shots but far more mediums and two shots. As much as it is nice to have a film of RENT, it's also still a great "Play" to see and remember within the film. I've seen the show 17 times live and this film misses the true energy and intimacy of that live experience because of all the "Rock and Roll" power shots and snap, snap editing (not to mention again, but it was horrible, the out of focus shots). But they did start to get it right in the second act. Right around "Without you" the camera slowed, they used the dollies and the wonderful crane, which they should use way more in a re-edit. In any case they got it half right and I know the footage must exist to truly get it right with a re-cut. If anyone with that power is listening... Please, oh please re-edit this live film for the DVD to give the show the respect it deserves.

[Christina Cooper]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 1:28am

Just got back from the show.. And I loved it!! I thought it was better and more energetic than the movie.. Eden was a stud!! And she completely pulled off Over the Moon, Will Chase was awesome!! And he looked mighty fine!! It was so much better than I thought.. I am so excited that it is going to be in DVD!!!

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 2:25am

My theater put up the poster for the show late and than, on the off side, where hardly anyone would notice it. Kind of disappointing. Our theater was half full but the audience seemed to like it. They were clapping at the end of it, so I figured it was mostly a stage theater crowd.

I really enjoyed the movie and I am so happy they recorded it for us. I do hope they take out that intermission before it goes on DVD but then, I can always skip it if I have to. It did cut the flow of the performances. Some of the camera angles made you wonder but overall, I felt it was well done. It was really wonderful to see a musical with singers who can really sing! The music is wonderful. I like the first movie but I am really looking forward to having this version too. Especially since it includes the songs that were edited out in the first movie or re-arranged.

I was a little nervous going in because I wondered how well the currant cast performances were. I didn't expect them to be so bad. It is just I was use to the movie, so it is difficult for me not to compare the two. I really enjoyed the crew in the first movie but I was very happy with this cast. I liked everyone and thought their performances were really outstanding.

It was nice too,to see some of the other players in the finale. It didn't bug me that not everyone could make the final performance. People are under contract or have other obligations. I was just happy to see as many as I did that were able to make it that night.

I hope this becomes a great new trend in Theatre. I agree that nothing takes the place of seeing a show, "live". I'm not going to stop paying to go to the Theatre because I have a DVD. I just like knowing that a great performance was preserved and those who worked in the final show will get more attention from this. I'm happy that I will be able to have a copy of this some day soon!

I like to think that RENT has helped more Americans think differently about Gay People and AIDS. In a way, the first movie was probably a little bit easier for the non-Theatre going crowd to follow and I understand why some of the staging was changed. Yet this version is more of what I expected originally from the first Movie and more of a treat for me.

[Kass983]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 5:11am

Loved it. I too would have liked some wider shots, but that's ok. I found Will's eyeliner and nailpolish a bit distracting (I've never seen the man before - Utah gal here), but he grew on me; definitely one hell of a Roger. The whole cast was incredible. I might go one more time this weekend, alone, because taking the kids again is entirely too much money - gotta save some to fly to San Diego and see Adam and Anthony next year. There might have been 50 people tops in my theater. Maybe that's why the tickets are so much...
Updated On: 9/26/08 at 05:11 AM