Rob Marshall to direct film version of NINE — Page 4

I think the real the challenge Marshall faces with this film is making what will be, essentially, a remake of a Fellini film.

As with every movie musical that comes out, even the ones of very popular shows, the film critics are usually only slightly familiar with the material and rarely judge the film on how successful it is in adapting the stage material. Usually, they approach it from whatever cinematic or popular culture reference points they can. (The most recent examples being the complaints over the music for 'Dreamgirls', as compared to the music of the Supremes - as if there was anything Condon, or Kreiger, could or would do to change that 25 years after the musical on which it was based was written.)

Marshall certainly has got a challenge in casting and trying to cinematically tell the story of the musical. (And it should be noted the musical's book often gets criticized for being confusing and/or vague.)

But I think his major challenge is going to be how to follow up Fellini in the medium in which Fellini worked, and whose films critics have worshipped for decades. (Side note: I would also fear for any director that would take on a big-screen, musical 'Sunset Blvd' for the same reasons.)

AND just to make it even more complicated, even if he makes a successful Fellini adaptation, is there an audience for a such non-linear and surrealistic film?

Ewan Mc.... oi.

---

I agree with the article, I don't think Ewan McGregor is an ideal choice for Guido. I really would love to see Krakowski in this, just because she's one of my favorite actresses, but I know it won't happen.
In the meantime, I disagree about the comparison between adapting NINE and SUNSET BOULEVARD to film. The book for NINE is in the style of 8 1/2 and the plot is similar but I think that what Tommy Tune, Arthur Korpit, and Maury Yeston did was fantastic, they borrowed Fellinni's style and still managed to make a show that a completely separate entity from the film (which is what 99% percent of movie-to-musical adaptations have failed to do). SUNSET BOULEVARD uses some text that is taken straight from Wilder's script and doesn't really alter the adaptation in the way that NINE does. The movie will need a great screenwriter to succeed though...Bill Condon where are thou?

---

::sob:: I'm sorry, but Ewan? I like him, but NO.

---

This is really exciting because it has potential to work AMAZINGLY on film, but it could also splat HHHUUUGGGEEE... We shall see!

Ugh - I'm starting to get REALLY scared.

This cynic is just going to wince and turn away as Hollywood butchers yet another piece of theatre - and as we continue to lower our casting standards in the process.


Tell me when its over.

I should've been clearer in my answer. I do agree that critics will inevitably compare NINE to 8 1/2 (how cute is it that they added an extra .5), I was just trying to say that it's a lot harder to compare the two because I find them to have very few things in common apart from the style of the show and the overall plot.
The reason I trust Marshall is because he was smart enough to nod at Bob Fosse in CHICAGO but he knew that he had to do something completely different to Fosse instead of doing watered-down Fosse (a la Kathleen Marshall or Wayne Cilento). Hopefully, he will do the same with this film.

---

Wouldn't it be great if Carol Channing could do a cameo in this film? I can just imagine her singing "Be Italian".

---

FANTASTIC idea. NINE is brilliant, and they would be wise to bring Antonio back. I'm sure he'll go after them for it...it was drop dead amazing in the role on Broadway.

If they go with people like Banderas, Cruz, Jones (all hot, sexy, and perfect), will they try to pass them off as Italian, or do you think they'll re-set the film in Spain?

---

^ Gotta agree with Foa.

I think it should stay in Italy, too - but is there a problem with casting all hispanic (or british) actors as REAL Italians?

---

I never said they were casting choices.

I was just saying, hypothetically, if he WERE to go with the likes of Banderas or Ewan (cringe) or Cruz, would it be a problem.

That's all.

I don't know for sure, but I have a strong feeling that Tomei can't sing.

---