Sunset Blvd - Movie musical- Page 5

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 12:36pm

I honestly think this movie is going to have to sell tickets on the story itself. I don't believe Close's name sells millions of tickets anymore anyway. I think that yes, they definitely need a star, but that ultimately, that's not going to be what sells it. I await your discussion.

[Theatrical Landladies]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 12:58pm

Rathnait you are absolutely right. I am just SO keen that we have another HIT film musical and I suppose the success of CHICAGO proves that our idea of Broadway stars who can deliver a superb LIVE performance is actually miles away from what they look for in the movies. It has been shown that stars such as CAROL CHANNING, MARY MARTIN and ETHEL MERMAN never really achieved greatness in movies - I think you can be just TOO large for the screen. "It's the pictures that got smaller" comes to mind. Liza has a successful movie track record (in parts) and I would LOVE to see her but I'm not sure the public is ready for her "return" and it might make the movie seem like a bit of a joke.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:08pm

Who says the star needs to be playing Norma?

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:09pm

Eggby, I have to agree with you. I don't believe people are ready to see her on the screen. She is a bit of a joke in the public light, with her marrying gay guys, wierd wedding pics, bouts with substance abuse and her antics on Arrested Development. Plus, her voice is shot. I feel bad for her, 'cause she is a 'faded glory'.
If she was cast in the movie people would not come out, 'cause the tabloids and movie critics would ravage the film, due to Liza's participation. Before anyone could give it a fair shake the public would make up it's mind due to unfair press. Gossip columist and the tabloids would exploit Liza and bring down the film. My opinion. Updated On: 2/17/05 at 01:09 PM

[Theatrical Landladies]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:12pm

Let's face it, Liza brings along a LOT of baggage!! This doesn't compare with the remote and mysterious (?) star quality that Gloria Swanson brought to the original movie.

[SideShowMan]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:18pm

Why doesnt Lord Weber get over himself, and cast Faye Dunaway...born to play an aging screen diva!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:19pm

But Swanson was EXACTLY that - a "faded glory" and a bit of a joke when she made the original.

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:23pm

Raithnait62, thanks for the affirmation about my thoughts about Glenn Close......You are a doll and I am glad you are here :)

[Theatrical Landladies]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:24pm

I think if we're not interested in pulling power then we should go for ELAINE PAIGE. She definitely can sing and act the role off the stage/screen!!

What about Shirley Maclain? Too old???

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:26pm

Margo, I am very pleased you agree that this might be an opportunity for Liza to reclaim her former glory, etc. !

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:27pm

EGGBY - you genius. Shirley MacLaine - I LOVE it!

And thank you for the kind words, Wish. :)

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:35pm

sideshowman, I believe Ms. Dunaway already has an unpleasant history with the stage musical of SUNSET BOULEVARD. Shirley MacLaine is a magnificent actress and dancer. However, while certainly having a proficient singing voice, she was never a singer as Liza Minnelli is, was, will be again. :)

I agree with Margo that it seems this would be an ideal vehicle for Liza Minnelli to reclaim her place in the firmament of stars.

p.s. Raithnait62, did you ever see Shirley MacLaine in concert? She "used" to be incredible with tons of dancing. And I loved her tv specials, such as GYPSY IN MY SOUL. I had her LIVE AT THE PALACE album years ago (I had seen her show there twice) and loooooooooooved it to pieces. I used to workout to that Shirley MacLaine album for years.

Alas, saw her in concert just a few years ago and there were no dancers with her and she barely danced at all. I believe this change in her standard, highly dance oriented concerts, was due to some physical problems she began to allude to in her most recent book.

I hope she is back to her dancing glory.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:41pm

I have never seen Ms. McLaine live - but she can belt out a song, that's for sure.

Adam - Minnelli's "antics" on Arrested Development have won her critical acclaim and audience praise.

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:42pm

Rath, I understand what you are saying...they are both "faded glory" types but Gloria didn't have to sing. All she had to do was act. This version is both acting and singing. The part is too much of a demand. Vocally, I doubt Liza could pull it off. She would not be able portray Norma, rather she would Liza-nelize the the NORMA character. It would just be a caricature of herself.
If Liza could "get herself together", then we have something to talk about, but until then I can't see it happening.

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:46pm

Right, her antics as playing herself comedic style ~ which is not what sunset is about. If she were doing comedy as playing a different someone other than herself then I would say she might be ready for something more meaty. Norma's role needs to be played by someone who can play it "straight". Updated On: 2/17/05 at 01:46 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:48pm

I know she could play it straight. Her Academy Award was for playing it straight. Rent STERILE CUCKOO (if it's available). Rent CABARET if you haven't seen it. I know she's a lot older now, but I've watched her rise and fall more often than the temperature. I have faith.

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:50pm

I'm glad you have faith in her. I am aware of the movies she has made. It just seems like her craft is not where it should be to tackle Norma.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:51pm

I know what you're saying - what I'm saying is, I know she will do the work to get herself back there, like she has countless times before.

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:52pm

I hear you :)

[Plum]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 1:57pm

So...how about the characters who aren't named Norma? Anyone?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 2:15pm

Well, there's your answer. Back to Norma!

[LittleFish8386]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 2:24pm

I think Liza would be good in this role.


Yay for Liza!

[Plum]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 2:24pm

That's what I thought. Carry on, people.

[Theatrical Landladies]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 3:38pm

LAURA MICHELLE KELLY for Betty!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 3:40pm

Brittany Murphy for Betty.