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rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels the same way

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#1

rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels the same way

Posted: 4/28/05 at 7:17pm

Before I even start I would just like to say I love Rent with all my heart and believe in everything it stands for. Also I would not like to get any nasty responses from this posting, I just want to know if people feel the same as I do.
If you take a step back and look at Rent for what it really is do you think its a good idea to make it into a major motion picture? I just dont think that is the message that Jonathan Larson was trying to get across by writing the show in the first place. I know I didnt know him personally but from everything I have read and seen about him, I dont think he would have wanted it like this...just like I dont think he would want the pop stars that have been in the show the past couple of years to be in it as well.
The show is about struggle and bohemia shouldnt that be where the actors come from as well? I mean not to be a bitch but what does Joey Fatone know about struggle?
This is just the way I feel and I for one will not see the movie out of respect for what I think the show is about.
Again I dont mean to judge or try to change anyones mind I just want to know if anyone feels the same.
#2

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels the same way

Posted: 4/28/05 at 7:19pm

It's a good thing Joey Fatone isn't in the motion picture, then.

The Larson family are part of the development of the film. They are constantly supervising on the Set.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#3

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels the same way

Posted: 4/28/05 at 7:26pm

For a very long time, some of my views on the movie were very similar to yours. Any time talk of the movie came up, I was pretty vocal, and rather verbally violent about how badly I wished the movie wouldn't happen, and how afraid I was that it wasn't going to turn out right, or do justice. I was afraid to condede to the fact that something I loved so much was going to be released to the entire world, and afraid that it wouldn't be recieved the way I felt it deserved to be. I wondered whose right it was to make the decisions to change things and interpret things in a new way when Jonathan couldn't be there to oversee it. Some of those fears are still in the back of my mind, but I had two opportunities to spend some time on the film set while they shot in New York. It was one of the most heartwarming things I have ever experienced, and that first night alone changed my views almost entirely, at least about the film itself. They allowed me really to put so much of my faith into this movie, and even more faith than I already had in those involved. I'm sure certain tiny elements will be tweaked that won't make people happy, like Roger's lack of plaid pants, but I really do believe that it's the overall thing we need to be concerned with and that, IMO, is absolutley on the right track.

Here, read the long posts under my name on these two links. See what you think - maybe I can vicariously change your mind, or at least put it at some ease.

Thursday, March 10, 2005 - https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?page=910&thread=266512&startthread=860741&boardname=off

Thursday, March 17, 2005 - https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?page=931&thread=266512&startthread=880597&boardname=off

A work of art is an invitation to love.

Updated On: 4/28/05 at 07:26 PM

#6

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 7:57pm

Yeah, i agree. Also, I don't think it really matters where the actors come from. I mean, the show is first and foremost a Broadway musical. The actors are only acting. Yeah, i'm sure some of the cast memebers know how the characters feel, but for the most part these people are just actors, ya know?
#7

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 7:58pm

I think who is playing the parts is an absolutely HUGE, integral part of the film's success. There are certainly other people than the originals capable of having done it, but there are certainly plenty of actors who would've done horribly, as well. Ultimately, they made the right choice.
A work of art is an invitation to love.
#8

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 8:00pm

Everyone involved, including Columbus, has the best intentions for the film. The cast all knew what Larson wanted. It'll happen.

Plaid pants? Who cares?

There are no movie stars in this film, with the exception of one name. But they aren't using the name to sell the movie. They're using the movie to sell the movie. Something which is very rare nowadays.

There will be no exploding trucks, no galatic war battles, no speeding cars racing each other on a highway, no a voiceover saying "featuring an all-star cast," etc.

It will be actors singing. A story told.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#9

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 8:02pm

Indeed, I think I would have felt differently about this movie had it not been 90 percent OBC. I mean not to a point where I wouldn't go see it but I'd be far more skeptical about it I guess because my opinion is that this is a project that could either be amazing or it could turn out horribly depending on how it was handled. I have to say that I'm feeling much more optimistic about the movie now that I've seen the pictures, heard articles and updates about filming plus the OBC reprising their roles.
I wanted to get something that an "ex"-junkie like him would really appreciate and cherish....it's a brick of heroin shaped like a heart. -Scrubs
#10

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 8:23pm

Triplethreat,

Adam (Pascal) told me years ago that, "...Jonathan wasn't a fuc*king saint!". He wanted to make his mark as the next "Sondheim". He wanted to be big...make a lasting impression on musical theatre. Trust me, I don't discount the fact that the messages in Jonathan's show are inspired and merited as true to life. Life imitating art imitating life, if you will. I'm just happy that more people all over the world (who may not be theatre-lovers) can now hear, feel and know his words.

Anthony was close to Jonathan. He sent claps up to Jonathan after every performance, and those tears were real. Anthony is such an inspiration, and I can almost guarantee that he wouldn't be making this film if he felt that it would be against Jonathan's wishes. The same goes for the rest of the original cast and crew. Not to mention Al, Nan and Julie Larson, who have been with the movie cast every step of the way.

I was worried at first that the translation of such a powerful show to the silver screen would lose some impactful emotion. Who among us hasn't been winked at during Seasons of Love? Cried with the cast after the reprise of I'll Cover You? Smelled the smoke as Roger's candle blew out? But, those are the glory's of live theatre. I know for a fact that the cast and filmakers are concerned with the emotional impact, too, and are making sure that this film will be a stirring, emotional journey. All we can do is trust them.

-John
#11

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 9:03pm

I personally trust the people that are currently involved in the film (the OBC, the Larsons, etc) know more about Rent and what Jonathan wanted for it more than all the Rent fans out there think they do.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how

Updated On: 4/28/05 at 09:03 PM

#12

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 10:37pm

So I guess no one agrees or feels remotly the same. I have read alot I know alot I know what everyone is talking about....blah blah blah. I dont know...something just doesnt seem right to me. but whatever...thanks for the responses.
#13

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 10:41pm

Wow, way to be closed minded. My post explicitly said that I had many of the same opinions, and what a truly DRASTIC event it took for my view to change. I absolutely understand where you're coming from, and you're not going to get positive feedback if you think that you're the only person who feels that way. All we're saying is to have some faith. Jonathan's own FAMILY is working on this movie, and people who saw his vision firsthand. They're best equipped for it, and know what he would've wanted better than any of us think we might.
A work of art is an invitation to love.

Updated On: 4/28/05 at 10:41 PM

#14

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 10:43pm

I think that it took me a while to get used to the idea of not having ALL the OBC, but being grateful that my favorites were in the movie. I think that the movie is a way to spread what Jonathon wanted as his message.

The only thing I still kind of have mixed feelings about is the whole "OMG I love _______ in RENT" and they pretend that they are the BIGGEST fans. I'm kind of nervous about that, becuase I don't want the board to be invaded by a bunch of RENT movie-lovers that only know the movie. But on the other hand, the actors deserve more national recognition and I'm proud of them and I know they are going to go far... maybe it's just selfishness on my part in that aspect, but there is my view

~kangaroo re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t
NIL MAGNUM NISI BONUM "No greatness without goodness."

RENThead, enLIGHist, Ozalot, Grobanite, Ringer, Pickwick LW, Wicked, Lost, American Dreams, West Wing
Lea S. Hugh J. Adam P. Idina M. Matt M. Taye D.

#15

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 10:54pm

"I have read alot I know alot I know what everyone is talking about....blah blah blah."

For someone who knows so much, you have obviously dismissed the messages of RENT, which include (but are not limited to) embracing humanness, openness and celebrating life in the face of hardship. In this time of (great) adversity, I would think that this film is going to be an affable way to reach out to many people from all walks of life, and God forbid that it possibly opens a few eyes that would normally remain shut.

If the catalyst for your personal diatribe earlier is about stunt casting, then I won't step on your opinions. We're all entitled to them. But, try building a more positive bridge. We'll meet you on the other side once the movie opens.

-John

#16

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 11:23pm

not to threadjack, but i just realised that i know u triplethreat... you auditioned for one of my shows.....


((goes to headshot files))

YES! THERE YOU ARE! Its the same pic as your headshot! ha
NYC's Most Retarded Drag Queen The Mimi Show: hosted by Mimi Imfurst features Broadway stars Tuesdays @ 10:30pm Weekly! June 13th: Hairspray's Michelle Dowdy, June 20th: Aida's Lori Ann Strunk, June 27th: Composer Katie Thompson No Cover- No Drink Minimum OW BAR: 221 E 58th Street (between 2nd and 3rd) www.owbar.com
#17

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 11:24pm

I've read some posts on other boards from people concerned that the movie is some kind of "sell out," and I wonder if that's what triplethreat is partly concerned about. If so, I don't believe that's a proper interpretation of the term. Selling out is using your talent in the service of something you don't believe in, as Mark would have done if he took the Buzzline job. RENT as a movie certainly doesn't qualify, as the people involved are using their talents for something they *do* believe in.
#18

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 11:33pm

And why should RENT be more special than other films? Because of its messages? Because Larson died? Maybe.

But this is a business. Films are being made of THE PRODUCERS, HAIRSPRAY, DREAMGIRLS, BAT BOY, and over thirty more projects. Adapting any work to film is always skeptical.

One thing is for sure - I have never seen so much heart being put into a production to make sure it stays true to the original work. The studios aren't giving any heat or pressure, Larson's family is involved, and a lot of the original cast members who worked with Jonathan Larson himself are involved (like I said twice earlier). They are going out of their way.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#19

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/28/05 at 11:58pm

I'm just thrilled they didn't entirely fill the cast with cheesy pop/rock stars. My nightmare casting was Christina Aguilera as Maureeen. Good Lord. Up with the skank factor.

I'm keeping an open mind on the movie version of this. After all, they did pass up ridiculous singers in favor of the original cast members....

Can't be worse than the Phantom movie (Don't even respond to that, I'm just deliberately being difficult.)

There's always room for pathos - and jazz hands.
#20

re: rent movie....dont mean to insult...just want to know if anyone feels t

Posted: 4/29/05 at 2:48am

Just to add to this idea of how/why things really are being done right, IMO... if you've seen any of the pictures from the set, you might be able to see one of the most incredible things I found about seeing them film. Usually on big-budget films, if an actor is not working, he's not on set. If he's needed that day, he'll be in his trailer, and if he's not, he won't be there at all. To see the cast crowded around the monitors CHEERING for Anthony every time he did a take of What You Own, and to see Idina show up just to watch and support her fellow cast members on a night when she wasn't needed, and to see them all out there supporting one another and proving how TRULY committed they are to this project blew my mind. It speaks volumes for how different this movie is going to be than the "sell-out" it had the potential to become, and how much HEART is going into it.

Open your eyes. This is coming from someone who genuinely hated the slightest prospect of RENT becoming a film. Be open about it and give it a chance.
A work of art is an invitation to love.

Updated On: 4/29/05 at 02:48 AM

#21

You may not have meant to insult, but your ignorance sure did...

Posted: 4/29/05 at 3:48am

What does Joey Fatone know about struggle?
Well, what does Anthony Rapp know about struggle? Because LONG before Fatone was in N'Sync, Rapp was in movies.

As for Pop Stars playing these rolls...ARE YOU AWARE THAT DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA WAS IN A POP BAND IN THE 80'S???????????? Yes, it was called Pajama Party, and they had two hits - "Yo No Se" and "Over and Over". But, I take it from this post that you wouldn't know that, cuz you weren't around then. But, I guess there's no argument there, because she's not in the movie, yet, Jonathan loved her being in Rent. Hmmm...that blows your pop star theory.

Back to the struggle thing...Do you even know what Joey's life was like before N'Sync? As if he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth - and even still...
In that case, what do YOU know about struggle?

EVERYONE struggles, dearie. In different ways, but we all do. Life is a struggle, and the more you live it, the more you realize...

"Do you know what pledge time is, Andrew"? said the PBS Executive. "Yes", Lloyd Webber replied. "My 50th birthday special must be one program that gets done a lot." "No", mused the man from PBS heedlessy. "Not so much. Our Stephen Sondheim Carnegie Hall concert. That's a big one." Spoons, forks and knives seemed suddenly to suspend their motion in horror, all around the table.

Updated On: 4/29/05 at 03:48 AM

#22

You may not have meant to insult, but your ignorance sure did...

Posted: 4/29/05 at 3:53am

"There are no movie stars in this film, with the exception of one name."

Which one? Rosario Dawson or Taye Diggs?
"Do you know what pledge time is, Andrew"? said the PBS Executive. "Yes", Lloyd Webber replied. "My 50th birthday special must be one program that gets done a lot." "No", mused the man from PBS heedlessy. "Not so much. Our Stephen Sondheim Carnegie Hall concert. That's a big one." Spoons, forks and knives seemed suddenly to suspend their motion in horror, all around the table.
#24

You may not have meant to insult, but your ignorance sure did...

Posted: 4/29/05 at 4:00am

Em...what the hell are you doing up at 4 in the morning?
"Do you know what pledge time is, Andrew"? said the PBS Executive. "Yes", Lloyd Webber replied. "My 50th birthday special must be one program that gets done a lot." "No", mused the man from PBS heedlessy. "Not so much. Our Stephen Sondheim Carnegie Hall concert. That's a big one." Spoons, forks and knives seemed suddenly to suspend their motion in horror, all around the table.

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