The Future of Movie Musicals & Film Adaptations of Musicals — Page 3

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "^That was reported in The Sun, do you really expect any of their stories to be true?"

I don't. But we can have some fun with the outrage of the "close-ups". Maybe it will be filmed like it was one long singular take. But, really? Meryl Streep again - this time as Grizzabella? And, why Russell Crowe as the Rum Tum Tugger? NPH as Mr. Misstofeles? and Idris Elba as Old Deuteronomy?

Richard Attenborough, John Huston, and Sidney Lumet were all brilliant "star" directors. They were known by name and by reputation ... but not for musical films. They almost singlehandedly destroyed A Chorus Line, Annie, and The Wiz respectively.

But that's no different than thinking a brilliant and reputable dramatic actor could automatically play Tevye or Don Quixote or Billy Bigelow. It's a different genre, requiring a different skill set. Same thing for directors.

I can see why they took their chances with the big-name directors. Others had fared better in the past (like Sir Carol Reed with "Oliver!" and Robert Wise with West Side Story and then The Sound of Music, and Norman Jewison with Fiddler on the Roof). They were all "name" directors when they tackled their first film musicals. But the results were very different.

perfectliar said: "hork said: "Jeffrey and perfectliar - It's adorable that you think winning a Best Director Oscar is necessarily an indication of talent. Hooper and Attenborough really aren't very well respected among film scholars, and I personally think they're terrible directors (I haven't liked any of their movies). At least Columbus made Only the Lonely, but he's pretty terrible, too. All three made dreadful Broadway adaptations."

You must know this already considering you're a film scholar, but not only did Attenborough win an Oscar and the DGA award (which is given out by fellow directors), but he also was President of the BAFTA and has a film studio stage named after him where the new Star Wars was filmed. How can you think he isn't/wasn't well-respected? Condescend all you want, but don't be ridiculous.

Well, first of all, I didn't say I was a film scholar. And secondly, what does being president of BAFTA have to do with how he is generally regarded as a filmmaker? Other than Gandhi, which is mostly remembered as the epitome of bloated Oscar bait, what did he ever direct that even gets discussed anymore? What great film achievements is he responsible for? He was an actor who sat in the director's chair for 12 forgettable movies.

Well, first of all, I didn't say I was a film scholar. And secondly, what does being president of BAFTA have to do with how he is generally regarded as a filmmaker? Other than Gandhi, which is mostly remembered as the epitome of bloated Oscar bait, what did he ever direct that even gets discussed anymore? What great film achievements is he responsible for? He was an actor who sat in the director's chair for 12 forgettable movies."

Attenborough directed a brilliant film in 1987. It stars Kevin Kline and Denzel Washington it's called CRY FREEDOM. It is one of his best if not his best directorial effort. For you to write off Attenborough the way you just did shows how blatantly ignorant you are about him and his efforts as one of the most respected filmmakers in the motion picture industry.

Updated On: 2/9/16 at 10:38 AM

JRybka said: "Some posted CHESS as a movie.

I love that idea. But if they did it they have to do the 2001 Danish Version. The music and the way it was put together made the most sense to me.

But yes i would pay big bucks to see that.

Wasn't it more or less the same as the London version? I actually hate the cast recording of that production (other than a few songs).

@dork: And just how in the hell would you know if 1987 was THE VERY LAST TIME anyone, anywhere in the entire world has mentioned or discussed CRY FREEDOM?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Your OPINION is just that....an OPINION...

and you know what they say about those, dontcha?

I fear for the future of the movie musical genre in Hollywood

Honestly, that's been a popular moaning topic for decades. Even back 20-30 years ago when there were FAR fewer non-Disney musical films produced. You think this is bad? Look back at what was produced in the 80s and you'll breathe a huge sigh of relief. There is really no reason to fear right now. The 90s saw a resurgence of musicals afapted for television and you know what followed? More film adaptations. Film musicals will contonue to be produced and we'll gush and bitch about them as much as always. The snottery remarks on the Cats movie thread would seem to indicate that the fear isn't so much that film musicals wouldn't be produced, but they only select film musicals should be produced for a small minority of condescending blowhards.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. I feel like handing out razor blades to those who are just so traumatized over this news so they can just slit their wrists and put themselves out of their own misery.

Um you realize you're talking about yourself right? You've been one of the "blowhards" on The Wiz, Hairspray, Grease and Rocky.

.

Shrek3 said: "That's pretty much it in a nutshell. I feel like handing out razor blades to those who are just so traumatized over this news so they can just slit their wrists and put themselves out of their own misery.

Um you realize you're talking about yourself right? You've been one of the "blowhards" on The Wiz, Hairspray, Grease and Rocky.

.

"

I personally think that we should stop making film adaptations, and continue the live televised versions. Sure, we've had good and bad of both, but making live televised versions adapts the material in the way it's supposed to be used, as opposed to the movie musicals, which I think have either turned out well or horribly. The live musical market seems to be going in a good direction, and I'd like to see how the next few turn out, but right now, I think it's the way to go to adapt the source material in a fun way so everyone can see it and musicals can get mass marketing, and can be shown to a larger audience.

CarlosAlberto said: "That's pretty much it in a nutshell. I feel like handing out razor blades to those who are just so traumatized over this news so they can just slit their wrists and put themselves out of their own misery.

Especially gypsy101. What. a. friggin'. drama. queen.

Girlfriend, get. a. grip!"

Girlfriend, you're a fucking asshole.

Updated On: 2/9/16 at 04:53 PM

pupscotch said: "

I personally think that we should stop making film adaptations, and continue the live televised versions. Sure, we've had good and bad of both, but making live televised versions adapts the material in the way it's supposed to be used, as opposed to the movie musicals

"

I think a live presentation filmed in theatre (well edited and record multiple shows and additional shots), released in cinema's and later on dvd is the best option.

A well crafted document with mostly great performers who understand the art of acting through song.