Sunset Blvd - Movie musical- Page 6

[Caleb]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 4:10pm

Honestly, anybody who thinks Liza could sing this score is absolutely and intentionally being dishonest with themselves. I'm not trying to attack Liza, because she was incredibly talented in her younger days, and even though much of her talent has faded, she still, probably more than anyone I can think of, gives 100% when she performs. She is perhaps the most generous performer of the last century, and I don't say that lightly. That woman gives her all when she performs. Just imagine what someone with a great wealth of talent could do if they worked as hard as Ms. Minelli.

But that's not the point. She has done permanent damage to her voice, and the shift is obvious. I'm talking, not just about a shift in the tone of her vocie, but an extreme register shift. At her prime, like in her Oscar winning role, she was belting through the roof, but she couldn't even dream of hitting those notes anymore. And it's not a matter of her working on it and getting her voice back in shape; it is no longer within her capabilities. It doesn't make me happy, but it's true, and if people can't realize it, then they're in denial or they're deaf.

Again, I'm not saying this to be mean. It actually saddens me a great deal, because Liza was a phenomenal performer, and she could have been phenomenal for much longer if not for her poor health.

As for the Swanson/Minelli comparison, it's a complete fallacy of logic. Swanson was a faded glory simply because she hadn't worked in so long. People basically thought her time had passed. It was not an issue of the talents that made her famous being absent, and that's the issue with Liza. I also feel people are overlooking her speech impediment, which for me is a serious problem. I don't want to hear whoever plays Norma singing, "I won't shee you now til I shurrender".

Just my thoughts (although I stated many a fact). Again, I'm not trying to attack Liza because I hate her. It couldn't be further from the truth.

P.S. - I love Liza's work on Arrested Development! I've thought for a long time that people have seriously overlooked her as a brilliant comedienne. Again, she's probably so good at it because she gives so much of herself to any role she plays. I would love to see her in a non-musical film, comedy or drama, or preferably mix of the two. I've also always thought she'd be great on Will and Grace as Karen's best friend, someone who would be just as shallow and bitchy as Karen.

[OtherDaryl]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 5:20pm

Thank you, Margo for speaking as well of Ms. Minnelli as she deserves - you are always so respectful. Cabaret's been in rotation on premium cable recently and I'm always amazed at that performance. If this film absolutely has to be made, I can't think of better casting.

[Les342]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 6:01pm

I just saw this thread here and was surprised. I didn't realize that there was talk of possibly making Sunset Blvd into a movie. This is very cool news. I saw the show on Broadway and liked it very much. And as for who should play Norma, I don't really care. If Hugh Jackman is in it, I'll definitely be seeing no matter who else is cast.

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 6:05pm

Liza should be shown a lot of respect. I'm happy for her because she has people who still stand by and have faith in her.

My posts were not an attack on her, peronsally. I don't know her so it can't be personal.

But there is reality and fantasy. In fantasy, she'd have the chops to pull off Sunset. In reality, she needs to get herself together (as far as image is concerned) and we need to acknowledge the state of her voice. It is just not what it was.

She is part of our music/entertainment history ~ she is a living legend. Updated On: 2/17/05 at 06:05 PM

[cturtle]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 6:08pm

well, hopefully ALW will realize his BIG BOOBOO in making PHANTOM and put people in this movie who can actually SING.

[jo]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 7:25pm

I did see the actual clips from the Andrew Lloyd Webber interview --

*It was Michael Ball ( co-hosting the THIS MORNING program with Gloria Hunniford on UK TV) who raised the question on SUNSET BOULEVARD as an obvious choice for filmization among ALW's other works...and to which ALW responded with "There's a plan to do that.".

*When asked by Gloria whom ALW thought should be cast as Norma, he prudently replied : " Well, I really shouldn't say..." ( obviously because it was not a decided issue at the moment). But when Gloria mentioned Glenn Close, ALW said : " I don't know how you could top Glenn...she was fantastic, extraordinary..."

Maybe that is the direction that he is pursuing in terms of casting Norma.

I agree that if you have seen Glenn's performance of WITH ONE LOOK and AS IF WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE on the ALW 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION video, that she seems to fit the role very well. My other choices would be Barbra and Meryl. All three are fine actresses and Barbra has the singing advantage ( You might remember that ALW allowed her to release the two Norma signature songs WITH ONE...and AS IF WE NEVER... even before the London cast album was released with Patti Lupone).

As ALW is also seeking Paramount Pictures' agreement on the filmization ( as they are the owners of the original movie), I should think that the casting decision would be between ALW and the studio.

Hugh Jackman would be the obvious choice for Joe Gillis - not only has he played the role onstage in Australia, but he also has the look of Joe quite right, now...Plus he is a "name" both in Hollywood and on Broadway.

Interestingly, Michael Ball was the first one to sing the songs of Joe Gillis when the musical score was first presented on ALW's Sydmonton Estate ( where he traditionally premieres his new musical works), released the title song even ahead of the original cast album with Patti and Kevin Anderson, and sang the role of Joe Gillis in the BBC concert version last year.

The rumor last year from the SUNDAY MAIL in the UK was that ALW might have already signed up Hugh and Anthony Hopkins.

Posted: 2/18/05 at 9:39am

I hope the decision to go forward with this movie/musical moves along quickly - I think it will definitely draw in the numbers if Glen and Hugh secure the starring roles.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 9:46am

Isn't Hugh a bit (a-hem) OLD for Joe Gillis?

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 10:18am

Hugh is a bit "aged" for Joe ~in my opinon, I think Patrick Wilson would be able to pull it off. Updated On: 2/18/05 at 10:18 AM

[Fan2]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 10:51am

Well IMO - going by the original movie version, I was shocked to find out William Holden was 32 when he played Joe Gills in the original movie - I thought he was at least 10 years older. And I think Hugh at 36 looks younger now than Holden did at 32. Also IMO they need names for this movie - sorry, but I don't think Patrick Wilson is going to do it. Updated On: 2/18/05 at 10:51 AM

[Sant]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 11:41am

Maybe they need big names for the movie version, but if they get Glenn Close and Anthony Hopkins I'm not so sure they need a third big name. So they could cast Patrick Wilson. How about Ewan McGregor as Joe?

[sharon1]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 11:47am

Please no Patrick Wilson. Anthony Hopkins as Max I could vote for. Glenn Close I could see. Elaine Paige of course. And I know I am in a minority, but no Hugh Jackman either.

[Fan2]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 11:55am

I just want to add one thing about Hugh and Sunset - he won the MO Award in Australia (the Australian version of the Tony Award) for playing Joe Gillis in 1996/1997 (his second musical after Beauty & the Beast and before he did Oklahoma!). And I wonder how many people would go to the movies to see how "Wolverine" can sing - I bet many still don't know he can do that and by the time Sunset happens - if it ever does - X-Men 3 probably will have been out (it's due out next May, filming to begin this summer), and who knows what else may happen by then ("The Fountain" - which finishes filming next week - comes out later this year, his Disney deal, etc.). So I guess we will have to wait for any announcement and we can all go from there!

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 12:35pm

Love the idea of Ewan McGregor as Joe.

I guess nobody really cares for the Betty character 'cause nobody has mentioned a possible actress yet. Betty is not that interesting, a lot like Raoul in Phantom. So I wonder if they would flesh out her character and give her more of a personality like they did for Patrick Wilson's Raoul?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 12:38pm

We have talked about her - I mentioned Brittany Murphy...perhaps that was the other similar thread?

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 12:42pm

I'm sorry. Rath,I think you did mention her...

but don't remember if anyone else had suggestions. It's been hard for me to think of one too.

[kangaroo]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 1:39pm

I think it would be great to see either Hugh Jackman or Michael Ball in this movie. As for Brittany Murphy, not so much. I also agree with Anthony Hopkins and Glenn Close... but everything seems to be rumors anyway.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 1:42pm

I'd rather hear Murphy sing than Close any day of the week.

[sharon1]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 1:54pm

I think the young woman who just did the recent concert version, Emma Williams, as Betty would be wonderful. Sure Michael Ball would be the best and he looks young enough, but no one would agree to that one. He can sing the sox off the part. But it won't happen

[jo]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 7:23pm

Emma sings wonderfully and is very beautiful as well - she could have a chance if ALWebber makes the final decision on casting. Michael is the best candidate vocally speaking, but not having much film experience ( he has done only one TV movie in England) might be at a disadvantage. Of course, as I have previously noted, Michael has great links with this musical, the most recent being the concert version last year. Also, he is a favourite with Andrew.

But Glenn/Barbra/Meryl and Hugh and Anthony - that would be a powerhouse cast for a Hollywood movie!

I guess it all depends on ALW and Paramount.

Updated On: 2/27/05 at 07:23 PM

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 3:37pm

Check out this link from Broadway World.com
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=2352

"When asked about who would star in it, and if Glenn Close would reprise her role, he(Andrew Lloyd Webber) said, "I don't think that it would be rocket science to guess who'll probably play Norma."

It sounds like within the next 3 months we'll be hearing more devlopments on this movie!

Glenn will be awesome in the movie :)

[sharon1]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:47pm

Jo
I know Michael Ball won't get the part. But did you ever look at the ALW Birthday video and see the way Glenn was looking at him during the finale. Gosh if she could have made the film then MB would have been her choice. But like you said it isn't going to happen.

[jo]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 8:35pm

Yes, Sharon --

I had thought of that, too -- how Glenn Close looked completely mesmerized at Michael's singing, that she forgot to sing along with everybody else

Who knows -- Michael might still have an outside chance!


Jo

[sparky310]

Posted: 2/28/05 at 2:25pm

fyi..SB is a musical going to movie..doesnt need to go to the movie thread. jeez.

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 2/28/05 at 2:46pm

Hey Sparky, what are you talking about? I'm not sure what you mean.