What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
#1What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:41am
Okay... USUALLY you love the BOOK more than the movie, or the PLAY more than the movie, etc. (me, too) BUT - what MOVIE(s) have you loved MORE than the PLAY?
Mine's going to be (no doubt) a VERY unpopular opinion. I'd seen Phantom of the Opera (the musical) 3 TIMES before the movie - twice in Dallas and once in Houston. Obviously, those three times (along with the OBC CD) were what made me fall in love with it. Shockingly enough.. I prefer the movie version (I could watch it once a week forever). It's so much more intimate... and I LOVE all the lead players... especially Gerard Butler as the phantom. He brought out feelings in the story that I never even knew were there! I saw Phantom on stage for a 4th time not long ago and it paled in comparison to the movie. I've always been TOUCHED by the stage versions, but I cried at the movie... and still do. I just think it's awesome. No one could change my mind. How about you?? Which FILM do you love better than the play?
Updated On: 5/26/07 at 12:41 AM
neddyfrank2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/23/05
#2re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:46am
Better than the Play or Musical?
I think that the movie Chicago is better than the MUSICAL Chicago.
#2re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:00amNeddy... now THERE is a case where we can agree to disagree! CHICAGO on stage is a full blown musical... but on SCREEN (despite the great actors) I thought it tried REALLY hard to pose itself as NOT a musical... a stage song here, a dream sequence there. I know I'm in the minority (perhaps) but I thought CHICAGO the FILM only PRETENDED to be a musical. Was there even ONE "sing out" sequence? (Well the DVD showed that there WAS one... CLASS... which they CUT for the theatrical version). I hate when people say "That's so unrealistic.... for someone to just "break-out" in a song." HELLO!!! That's what a musical IS! I sure as hell hope HAIRSPRAY breaks out in song! That's what I loved about the MOVIE versions of EVITA, RENT and PHANTOM.... they pretty much kept to the original conception. I don't think CHICAGO did at all! I think it CHEATED!
#3re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:17am
I much prefer the movie version of Sound of Music to the stage show. For one, the visuals are just more stunning. But I also like the switch in order of Lonely Goatherd and My Favorite Things. I also agreed with the song cuts they made as well.
And eventhough I liked the musical, MARY POPPINS will always be my favorite movie of all time. I like that the show changed enough to make it a separate entity. It was visually stunning, and lots of fun. The movie is just heartwarming, and perfect.
If I think of anymore I'll post...
Muhlethaler
Featured Actor Joined: 10/13/06
#4re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:27amUpdated On: 6/18/20 at 01:27 AM
#5re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:36amWait, IS Phantom A PLAY? I thought IT WAS a MUSICAL.
#6re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:36am
OLIVER!
CABARET
DREAMGIRLS
#7re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:43am
Hm... I tried watching the Cabaret movie... but I found it really boring. They changed the story drastically.... I didn't care for it.
I have never seen the stage versions of Chicago or Dreamgirls, but I really love the movie versions.
I think we can all agree that RENT will not be on this list. The movie was pretty damn lame.
#8re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:43am
"I agree with you. The Phantom of the Opera film was an improvement over the stage version. A very unpopular opinion, I know - but one that I defend vehemently".
You're my new best friend! :)
#9re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:46am
Re-watch CABARET, or maybe wait until you're older.
Different doesn't mean bad.
It's one of the most brilliant stage-screen adaptations. Bob Fosse's direction is brilliant (and Oscar winning) and Liza is absolutely amazing (also Oscar winning).
Kringas
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/05
#10re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:47amI think you're your own best friend. Just in the stage version, though.
sondhead
Broadway Star Joined: 10/25/06
#11re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:47amI think famously this discussion should turn to Sound of Music. The original stage version is hardly the musical we all know and love. It's boring, bizarre and doesn't feature the superior movie-structuring and additional songs (Something Good, I Have Confidence, etc.)
#12re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:47amBut is it a PLAY or a MUSICAL?
#13re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:50am
Lizzie, I think we're using the term "play" as an all-inclusive term for "It originated on stage."
Does it REALLY matter? Plays OR musicals. Offer up a suggestion.
sondhead
Broadway Star Joined: 10/25/06
#14re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:51amWell, LizzyCurry, THAT would DEPEND on WHAT you think about this SUBJECT. I think it is a MUSICAL but what DO I KNOW.
#15re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:52amDon't forget Joel Grey munk.
#16re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:52am
I am not a kid... but that's beside the point.
I own the movie. I enjoy LIZA, I just never warmed up to it the way I did the stage show. But I will give it another go, and maybe my opinion will change with time.
#17re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 1:58am
Does it REALLY matter? Plays OR musicals. Offer up a suggestion.
NO. NOT until I HAVE PLAYED in Texas.
#18re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 2:03am
I think CABARET is the most brilliant stage musical-to-movie musical adaptation. Not only did Fosse had the balls to ignore the renowned Hal Prince production and do his own work, but he also managed to get brilliant performances across the board, as well as Oscars for his two stars (why wasn't York nominated?).
Liza Minnelli's Sally Bowles is just...words cannot describe her performance in my eyes, forget the songs--though her performance of the songs is fantastic--but her dialogue scenes, the way she moves, and those big expressive eyes just enthrall me every time I see the movie.
#19re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 2:07am
He didn't TOTALLY ignore Prince's original work. There are nods to it here and there.
And I totally agree about Liza's performance. In my opinion, it's one of the best performances ever commited to screen.
#20re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 2:17am
Munk, you are actually right, Fosse did nod to Prince's STAGING. I meant more in terms of the whole original production, from the book, to the score, to the casting--save for the fabulous Mr.Grey--Fosse did his own thing, IMO.
I'm glad you agree about Liza's performance, I can't rave enough about it and I believe it is one of the best performances on screen. The scene when she realizes she has to abort the baby never fails to break my heart as well as the "careless" hand-wave that she gives Brian at the station without turning her back.
#21re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 2:28am
#22re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 2:30ammunk and ray, you are both making me want watch Cabaret again. I need to get it on DVD.
#23re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 2:34am
Why don't you have it, Wonderfulwizard? When I got my first paycheck at my first job, that was the first movie I bought 
"You have to understand the way I am...mein herr" Love it!
#24re: What FILM Version Do You Think is BETTER than the PLAY?
Posted: 5/26/07 at 2:38am
Well, I'm saving for a trip to New York, so I don't want to spend much money. And my birthday present might be to go to NYC, so...
I did ask for it for Christmas, but I did get Chicago.
It is on my list of DVDs to get, along with Grey Gardens and Passion.
Videos