Will the NINE film affect the musical's reputation? — Page 2

"Other, why is it not entirely fair to criticize the original source material of NINE?"

It is entirely fair, but I wouldn't rely on film critics to do it. For I wonder how many of the critics who did so were even familiar with the source material. And I also wonder how many have an understanding or liking for the genre of the Broadway musical itself.

For surely, if they knew the original source material, they would know, for example, that Guido's first song had no chance of working on film when it was chopped to pieces, whereas when sung through on the stage, it was quite effective. The song was hacked up-- so that makes it a bad song? Other songs were badly presented. So that makes the score bad? It just goes to show that film critics should not be revieweing music.

And I'll say that I hated what the film did to the show. And as for whether it will hurt the show's reputation, well, one thing's for sure--it certainly won't help it.

"I think the specific treatment is what undermined this film, not the source material."

Personally, I agree. For example, in addition to some reviews that singled it out for criticism, I personally had people mention to me how much they hated "My Husband Makes Movies." They all commented how banal and downright awful the lyrics were and how stupid it made Carla seem. And in the context of the film, I agree.

In the stage play, the song is an answer to reporters grilling her about Guido's films, lifestyle, and infidelities. And she responds with answers she tries herself to understand and believe. To some degree, she is saving face, being cheeky, or even lying to protect him. In the film, the song is in Guido's head. So, this is what he thinks she is thinking. "My husband makes movies, it's hard for me but I love him." Yes, banal and stupid. Because in this new context, the song loses its irony.

Now, Yeston was involved in the adaptation. So, he is certainly responsible, as well. He could have noticed what was happening to the songs in their new context. Or known a strip tease doesn't belong in "Nine".


"I can't name one "bomb" movie musical that hurt future productions of its stage version. It's an irrational concern with no basis historically."

Good point. Very good point. I'm trying to think of one.

I think it will. A lot of people are saying that the songs weren't memorable or good.

I have to tell them that a lot of the score was cut.

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There's always PHANTOM and THE QUEEN OF BASIN STREET (aka rejected 1st version of LA CAGE). And GOYA. ::crickets::

Yeah, nevermind...

P

P.S. Why can't he get IN THE BEGINNING produced? Talk about a great unproduced masterpiece! It's the only score of his that even comes close to NINE as far as I'm concerned.

"Rob Marshall ain't Fellini. "

And Maury Yeston ain't Nino Rota. Not by a long shot.

Fellini's film need fear nothing from Marshall's misfire. It will live forever. NINE will vanish to the bargain bin at Target where it belongs.

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