Luc
|
So, I got the DVD.............and I cried. And cried. And cried. That was an AMAZING biography of Jonathan Larson. I was totally moved. I knew about his death and all that stuff, but it's so different from the family's perspective. That was truly the best thing I've ever seen. 
thank you, jonathan larson
|
EponineGiry
|
Okay, raise your hand if you think the alternate ending was twelve billion times as good as the one Columbus picked...
...thought so.
|
Luc
|
| EponineGiry wrote: | Okay, raise your hand if you think the alternate ending was twelve billion times as good as the one Columbus picked...
...thought so. |
I don't think so. I agree with what Columbus said on the commentary. It was a really good ending, but it took away from the story. Quoting him, "it's like one of those movies where you find out that it was all a dream." When I watched the alternate, I totally liked it and all but it seems like, since that's where they were in the beginning, none of the story ever happened. It was just these actors singing it on the stage, and the whole movie was just their imagination or something like that. Jonathan Larson's whole purpose for writing this show is because these things really happen to real people. I agree with Columbus, that it seems like everything you just watched never really happened. Well, all done. 
|
EponineGiry
|
True.
I do, however, disagree with Columbus that Halloween took away from the emotion of the story. Rosario's Goodbye Love did, maybe, but Halloween and Goodbye Love are important character development for Mark and just overall great emotional scenes.
|
Tom
|
I would like to see a dvd release of the entire movie without the cuts. I would like to see the film with Halloween & Goodby Love re-inserted to see for myself if they hurt the film.
I personally feel that without the song Goodbye Love where we see the break up of Mark and Roger friendship the song What you own doesn't work as well.
Also, all the cuts minimized Benny's role. His character was not as well rounded in the film becuse all of his "humanizing" moments were gone.
|
Descartes
|
What was up with Mark's use of his hands during "Halloween"? For that matter, what was up with Rapp's use of his hands during the whole film? Did anyone else notice this? Eep.
Des.
|
carethediva
|
| Descartes wrote: | What was up with Mark's use of his hands during "Halloween"? For that matter, what was up with Rapp's use of his hands during the whole film? Did anyone else notice this? Eep.
|
I noticed that, too.
He refers to them as his "spasms". I heard that he asked the director and choreographer if he should refrain from doing that, but they claimed it was his trademark.
|
LesWickedPhantom
|
I hated that they cut "Goodbye Love" and "Halloween". Like the above said, major in-depth characterization was sacrificed because of the cuts. Great...once again, pushing the best characters into the corner to make room for the romance. gar. Poor Mark. Now I want to hug him even more.
and poor Benny, being almost completely eliminated, save for when there was desperate need for a bad-guy in some scenes.
|
The Very Angry Woman
|
| Descartes wrote: | | What was up with Mark's use of his hands during "Halloween"? For that matter, what was up with Rapp's use of his hands during the whole film? Did anyone else notice this? Eep. |
He's like that in person, too. I went to one of his book signings and his gig in San Francisco.
|
what_the_heck013
|
| Tom wrote: | | Also, all the cuts minimized Benny's role. His character was not as well rounded in the film becuse all of his "humanizing" moments were gone. |
Yes, and my favorite sub-plot was reduced to nothing.
|
Luc
|
| EponineGiry wrote: | True.
I do, however, disagree with Columbus that Halloween took away from the emotion of the story. Rosario's Goodbye Love did, maybe, but Halloween and Goodbye Love are important character development for Mark and just overall great emotional scenes. |
Agreed.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
| LesWickedPhantom wrote: | I hated that they cut "Goodbye Love" and "Halloween". Like the above said, major in-depth characterization was sacrificed because of the cuts. Great...once again, pushing the best characters into the corner to make room for the romance. gar. Poor Mark. Now I want to hug him even more.
and poor Benny, being almost completely eliminated, save for when there was desperate need for a bad-guy in some scenes. |
Yea, I hated those cuts... I like Halloween... especially since the holiday itself is referenced when Angel dies (well, at his funeral).
I liked the documentary on Larson - that was really good. I had no idea that Adam Pascal wasn't really an actor - he was more or less a musician and had his lyrics to "One Song Glory" taped to the table during the workshop rehearsals. But he pulled off the role really well... so you gotta give him credit. 
|
DramaRobin2002
|
I can agree with the cut of "Halloween". It's a beautifully shot scene and Anthony is great in it, but I think it would have severely messed with the pacing of the movie. Not to mention most of it wouldn't make much sense with the tooling of the movie timeline. But I will never forgive CC for taking out "Goodbye, Love". Not only is the scene amazing, but it would have made "What You Own" a lot...well, better.
|
Luc
|
[quote="Ulla Dance Again!"] | LesWickedPhantom wrote: | | I liked the documentary on Larson - that was really good. I had no idea that Adam Pascal wasn't really an actor - he was more or less a musician and had his lyrics to "One Song Glory" taped to the table during the workshop rehearsals. But he pulled off the role really well... so you gotta give him credit. |
I thought that was so funny! TAPED TO THE TABLE!!! Oh, that's priceless.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
It is... and he needed cue cards too... poor guy!
|
RyanJ
|
I loved the alternate ending. 
But I can definitely understand why they went with the other ending, the alternate would basically cancel out parts of the movie (not trying to spoil the movie, you know what I mean if you've seen it).
|
EponineGiry
|
He had literally never acted before RENT. The RENT Bible said so as well.
|
Nicely-Nicely
|
Wow! No offense to anyone. That movie version totally sucked and it made me give the tickets I had for Broadway away. It totally sucked! The beginning was fine, but then it just started to suck ass. I was also turned away because after every fricken number in the theater... people gave fricken standing o's. Sorry to all... but I have a question. What the hell is so cool about Rent? 
|
EponineGiry
|
Standing o's for the movie is lame, I'll give you that.
The show is hundreds of times better with a good cast.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
| EponineGiry wrote: | | He had literally never acted before RENT. The RENT Bible said so as well. |
It's really hard to believe because he was able to pull it off. I was watching a video of the OBC show and he's just amazing as Roger. I don't think anyone else could bring that rawness to the role... he was perfect. But for some reason, I didn't think Adam had the same rawness in the film. It was there... but it just wasn't the same...especially in his voice. He was still good, though...
The actual production of Rent is amazing. It blows your mind - because it starts so suddenly and you're hurled into the world of Mark and Roger. I think the stage production is gazillions times better the movie. What makes it special is that there's this unexplainable energy surging through the show... which really doesn't come through in the movie. In a way, I guess you could say it's Jonathan Larson's spirit... because Rent was more or less his baby - he spent so long working on it and he never got to see how much of an impact it had.
|
Luc
|
| Ulla Dance Again! wrote: |
The actual production of Rent is amazing. It blows your mind - because it starts so suddenly and you're hurled into the world of Mark and Roger. I think the stage production is gazillions times better the movie. What makes it special is that there's this unexplainable energy surging through the show... which really doesn't come through in the movie. In a way, I guess you could say it's Jonathan Larson's spirit... because Rent was more or less his baby - he spent so long working on it and he never got to see how much of an impact it had. |
 
|
Pounce
|
I saw the tour and the show baffled me as to what it was about. I had to watch the movie three times in order to understand it (ok, after the second time I more or less got it but I watched it again to pick up what I may have missed). With that knowledge, watching the bootleg video of the original cast was possible since obviously the film and sound quality were poor. I still don't know how I really feel about the show but my opinion is much more favorable now. Maybe RENT works more as theatrical art than a movie musical however I don't feel completely sure about that since I usually don't like Christopher Columbus' direction.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
It definitely works more as a stage production. I mean, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing" is evident of that. That song is crazy - there's five or so parts going on at once - but unfortunately, it's not in the movie. There are parts of the movie I liked... other parts I was like "What the heck?" I think what bothered me was how they changed the words in some of the songs. That kinda ruined it for me. 
|
The Very Angry Woman
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | Wow! No offense to anyone. That movie version totally sucked and it made me give the tickets I had for Broadway away. |
Because one should always judge a stage musical by its film adaptation. Good going!
|
DramaRobin2002
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | Wow! No offense to anyone. That movie version totally sucked and it made me give the tickets I had for Broadway away. It totally sucked! The beginning was fine, but then it just started to suck ass. I was also turned away because after every fricken number in the theater... people gave fricken standing o's. Sorry to all... but I have a question. What the hell is so cool about Rent? |
It's too bad you gave your tickets away, the stage show is 100x better than the movie. I agree, even just normal applause after songs in the movie is just going overboard. It's not like the actors can hear it. But I'm curious, you haven't said what actually made the movie "suck ass". So before I answer "What the hell is so cool about Rent?" I would like to hear why, in your opinion, the movie "sucked ass".
|
Luc
|
| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | Wow! No offense to anyone. That movie version totally sucked and it made me give the tickets I had for Broadway away. |
Because one should always judge a stage musical by its film adaptation. Good going! |
She has a very good point. There are so many stage musicals out there that have really shitty movies (Once Upon a Mattress). Just because the movie sucked, as a lot of them do, doesn't mean that the play does. RENT was written as a stage production, and I think it was fabulous (sp?) on the big screen, but it will never beat the stage production.
|
Nicely-Nicely
|
Hey! I'll tell you why the movie sucked ass. Not just because after every fricken number there was appulause, but because I really couldn't understand it. I know it's a musical opera thing... but it's just so... confusing on film. I'm sure the Broadway show is great since all of you are telling me. But I think you really have to have a basic knowledge of Rent going into the theater and I didn't have that!
So sorry if I hurt people's feelings... and come people... it's alright to think that since the film sucked... the musical would.. because it's basically the same thing... except with a few more songs.
|
The Very Angry Woman
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | But I think you really have to have a basic knowledge of Rent going into the theater and I didn't have that! |
No, you don't.
But it's funny you say that in the first place, when you don't really have a reference point.
| Quote: | | because it's basically the same thing... except with a few more songs. |
Wrong. Try "fewer songs."
Yet again, you don't know what you're talking about.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | But I think you really have to have a basic knowledge of Rent going into the theater and I didn't have that! |
Um, no...no you don't.
I remember the first time I ever was introduced to Rent. I didn't know a thing about it and I went into the theatre with an open mind... and wound up absolutely loving the show. The plot really isn't so hard to understand.
Want me to break it down for you? 
Seriously... it's so unfair to judge the musical itself because of a mediorce film adaptation.
If you want proof at how amazing Rent is, I suggest you go and watch the video of the orginal Broadway cast. The quality isn't so great, but it's worth a watch. And, if you still think it sucks, then fine. But I for one don't appreciate you coming here and saying Rent sucks because of movie. That's stupid.
|
DramaRobin2002
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | Hey! I'll tell you why the movie sucked ass. Not just because after every fricken number there was appulause, but because I really couldn't understand it. I know it's a musical opera thing... but it's just so... confusing on film. I'm sure the Broadway show is great since all of you are telling me. But I think you really have to have a basic knowledge of Rent going into the theater and I didn't have that!
So sorry if I hurt people's feelings... and come people... it's alright to think that since the film sucked... the musical would.. because it's basically the same thing... except with a few more songs. |
You are not wrong to have your own opinion but really...were you paying attention? I brought a lot of people without any prior knowledge of Rent to see the movie and they understood it. It's not really that hard to figure out at least the general idea of what's going on. I really don't think anyone's feelings were hurt at your response to it though. It just pisses me off when someone says something sucks and then doesn't back it up. Anyway, my end of the bargain, why Rent is so great- It has good music, it has characters you can relate to, the stage show- when infused with energy- can be one of the most electrifying theater experiences you have and it means a lot of different things to many, many people. It may not seem like much, but there is a reason for the fan base.
|
The Very Angry Woman
|
| Ulla Dance Again! wrote: | | If you want proof at how amazing Rent is, I suggest you go and watch the video of the orginal Broadway cast. The quality isn't so great, but it's worth a watch. And, if you still think it sucks, then fine. But I for one don't appreciate you coming here and saying Rent sucks because of movie. That's stupid. |
Right. Express your opinion, but make sure it's an educated one.
I'm a vegetarian, but I'm not going to mouth off about how much Jimmy Dean Sausages suck just because I hated their commercials.
(Which I don't, but it's an example...)
|
Nicely-Nicely
|
First off... I said the MOVIE is like the show... only the MOVIE has less songs, so I'm sorry ----! I didn't mean to offend any of you... but I didn't get the movie at all. All I got out of it was a pointless story about two guys that can't afford their rent. So in my opinion, I think you need to know a bit about the show. I'm not arguing with you... because it's a ---Broadway musical. My opinion... get over it.
Moderator Edit - please keep invectives and personal attacks out of posting... verbal warning...
|
Pounce
|
| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Quote: | | because it's basically the same thing... except with a few more songs. |
Wrong. Try "fewer songs."
Yet again, you don't know what you're talking about. |
No, I think what Nicely-Nicely said can be interpreted as correct.
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | So sorry if I hurt people's feelings... and come people... it's alright to think that since the film sucked... the musical would.. because it's basically the same thing... except with a few more songs. |
It's a bit ambiguous because we don't know what it refers to. The closest thing (in proximity of the word) to the "it" in question is the musical so the sentence could be correct. The musical (stage show) has a few more songs than the film.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | First off... I said the MOVIE is like the show... only the MOVIE has less songs, so I'm sorry ----! I didn't mean to offend any of you... but I didn't get the movie at all. All I got out of it was a pointless story about two guys that can't afford their rent. So in my opinion, I think you need to know a bit about the show. I'm not arguing with you... because it's a ---Broadway musical. My opinion... get over it.
Moderator Edit - please keep invectives and personal attacks out of posting... verbal warning... |
I am over it.
It's really a shame that you apparently don't know the back story of Rent. I'm sure that if you knew Jonathan Larson, the show's creator, spent about seven or so years writing songs for the show (pretty much writing a song every day), fixing the story, trying to find a theatre that would take the show, trying to cast it, trying to make a name for himself... and DYING before he ever got the chance to see the impact it had... then, I would be a little more sympathetic to you. Since you don't know sh*t about the backstory, and couldn't care less, then it's a lost cause. I'm sorry you think that we're picking on you...but you're pretty much bringing it on yourself when you criticize a musical based on its movie adaptation.
|
Pounce
|
| Ulla Dance Again! wrote: | I am over it.
It's really a shame that you apparently don't know the back story of Rent. I'm sure that if you knew Jonathan Larson, the show's creator, spent about seven or so years writing songs for the show (pretty much writing a song every day), fixing the story, trying to find a theatre that would take the show, trying to cast it, trying to make a name for himself... and DYING before he ever got the chance to see the impact it had... then, I would be a little more sympathetic to you. Since you don't know sh*t about the backstory, and couldn't care less, then it's a lost cause. I'm sorry you think that we're picking on you...but you're pretty much bringing it on yourself when you criticize a musical based on its movie adaptation. |
As tough and tragic as Larson's life was leading up to RENT, we shouldn't appreciate the show (or any show) out of sympathy. It would be a insult to Larson's short legacy if we value his work because we feel sorry for him. Judge RENT or any show on its own merit whether or not the creator lived in a trailer park or was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. I think RENT can stand unbiased scrutiny.
|
The Very Angry Woman
|
| Pounce wrote: | | The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Quote: | | because it's basically the same thing... except with a few more songs. |
Wrong. Try "fewer songs."
Yet again, you don't know what you're talking about. |
No, I think what Nicely-Nicely said can be interpreted as correct. |
How so?
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
| Pounce wrote: | | Ulla Dance Again! wrote: | I am over it.
It's really a shame that you apparently don't know the back story of Rent. I'm sure that if you knew Jonathan Larson, the show's creator, spent about seven or so years writing songs for the show (pretty much writing a song every day), fixing the story, trying to find a theatre that would take the show, trying to cast it, trying to make a name for himself... and DYING before he ever got the chance to see the impact it had... then, I would be a little more sympathetic to you. Since you don't know sh*t about the backstory, and couldn't care less, then it's a lost cause. I'm sorry you think that we're picking on you...but you're pretty much bringing it on yourself when you criticize a musical based on its movie adaptation. |
As tough and tragic as Larson's life was leading up to RENT, we shouldn't appreciate the show (or any show) out of sympathy. It would be a insult to Larson's short legacy if we value his work because we feel sorry for him. Judge RENT or any show on its own merit whether or not the creator lived in a trailer park or was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. I think RENT can stand unbiased scrutiny. |
I wasn't trying to write it that way. I'm not saying "Oh feel bad for the guy, love his show... he freakin died before he could ever see it." I could give someone a million or so reasons why Rent is fantastic, but if they don't like it... fine. I can't force someone into liking a musical they clearly have no interest in.
|
Pounce
|
| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Pounce wrote: | | The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Quote: | | because it's basically the same thing... except with a few more songs. |
Wrong. Try "fewer songs."
Yet again, you don't know what you're talking about. |
No, I think what Nicely-Nicely said can be interpreted as correct. |
How so? |
The rest of the post you quoted explains my reasoning.
|
Luc
|
| Ulla Dance Again! wrote: |
I am over it.
It's really a shame that you apparently don't know the back story of Rent. I'm sure that if you knew Jonathan Larson, the show's creator, spent about seven or so years writing songs for the show (pretty much writing a song every day), fixing the story, trying to find a theatre that would take the show, trying to cast it, trying to make a name for himself... and DYING before he ever got the chance to see the impact it had... then, I would be a little more sympathetic to you. Since you don't know sh*t about the backstory, and couldn't care less, then it's a lost cause. I'm sorry you think that we're picking on you...but you're pretty much bringing it on yourself when you criticize a musical based on its movie adaptation. |
Hold on. It may seem like I'm switching sides on this here, but, in my opinion, you're SO totally wrong. Just because Larson died aparently means that everyone should know the back story to RENT?  Don't get me wrong, here. I totally think that Larson's death was tragic. I cried watching the biography (as I mentioned before) on the DVD and it was a very sad day for everyone that knew him, and even those that didn't. But saying that people should like the musical or know the back story because he died is just wrong.
If I misinterpereted (sp?) what you were trying to say, Ulla, then I apologize. But from what I read, I was just shocked. Correct me if I'm wrong, though.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
The way I wrote it didn't come out the way I intended it. I do not wish to be hated... because I honestly didn't mean for it to come across the way it did.
Basically, I'm just saying that having a little bit of knowledge of all the work that was put into Rent makes one appreciate it more... unfortunately, my words got all jumbled up and it came out sounding the opposite.
|
AngelicDramaQueen58
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | but I didn't get the movie at all. All I got out of it was a pointless story about two guys that can't afford their rent. |
All I will say is I think you should try to watch it again, but if you don't want to, tis all up to you.
Anyway I loved the movie, I was upset that Good-Bye Love and Halloween was taken out but can't do anything about that can I? lol  The alternete ending was cool but I agree with CC It did make you stop your emotion and say hey wait where are we? It did give to much of that dreamy feeling. But still very good... I always cry during Without You.
|
DramaRobin2002
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | First off... I said the MOVIE is like the show... only the MOVIE has less songs, so I'm sorry ----! I didn't mean to offend any of you... but I didn't get the movie at all. All I got out of it was a pointless story about two guys that can't afford their rent. So in my opinion, I think you need to know a bit about the show. I'm not arguing with you... because it's a ---Broadway musical. My opinion... get over it.
Moderator Edit - please keep invectives and personal attacks out of posting... verbal warning... |
I really don't see why you seem to be getting so angry about this that a mod had to edit your post. Maybe knowing the show would help but, like I said, I brought several people who didn't know one character from the other and they understood it. If all you really saw was just a story about guys who can't afford their rent (which isn't a big part of the story at all) then I feel sorry that you didn't get the emotion that is meant to come from the story (which is actually about a year in the lives of a group of friends).
|
musicallover
|
RENT the movieI got the movie and I love it! I was kinda dissapointed that Gooddbye Love was taken out. I don't think this movie should be bashed for being "unfaithful" to the stage show. It was adapted for a movie and was excellently done (in my opinion.
|
RyanJ
|
| musikal_geek wrote: | | Ulla Dance Again! wrote: |
I am over it.
It's really a shame that you apparently don't know the back story of Rent. I'm sure that if you knew Jonathan Larson, the show's creator, spent about seven or so years writing songs for the show (pretty much writing a song every day), fixing the story, trying to find a theatre that would take the show, trying to cast it, trying to make a name for himself... and DYING before he ever got the chance to see the impact it had... then, I would be a little more sympathetic to you. Since you don't know sh*t about the backstory, and couldn't care less, then it's a lost cause. I'm sorry you think that we're picking on you...but you're pretty much bringing it on yourself when you criticize a musical based on its movie adaptation. |
Hold on. It may seem like I'm switching sides on this here, but, in my opinion, you're SO totally wrong. Just because Larson died aparently means that everyone should know the back story to RENT? Don't get me wrong, here. I totally think that Larson's death was tragic. I cried watching the biography (as I mentioned before) on the DVD and it was a very sad day for everyone that knew him, and even those that didn't. But saying that people should like the musical or know the back story because he died is just wrong.
If I misinterpereted (sp?) what you were trying to say, Ulla, then I apologize. But from what I read, I was just shocked. Correct me if I'm wrong, though. |
He said that someone shouldn't judge a musical based on a movie interpretation, you don't have to like RENT, and not everyone does (which is fair), but what Ulla was saying was simply that before you judge RENT, you should be aware of all the hardships Jonathon Larson had to endure in order to have his show put out on Broadway, and never got a chance to see it. 
|
Luc
|
| RyanJ wrote: | | He said that someone shouldn't judge a musical based on a movie interpretation, you don't have to like RENT, and not everyone does (which is fair), but what Ulla was saying was simply that before you judge RENT, you should be aware of all the hardships Jonathon Larson had to endure in order to have his show put out on Broadway, and never got a chance to see it. |
Gotcha! 
|
liz_hearts_acting
|
i have never seen the show live (and i dont know if i do, if anthony isnt there ), but i knew what songs were cut. i was VERY mad that they cut out the tune ups and voice mails...it was sorta pathetic and funny to hear them spoken. but the movie was great, overall!
|
Nicely-Nicely
|
Okay... I'm sorry about all the things I've said. I googled a bit on Rent and found out a little bit more on it. I also bought the DVD. But what I don't is how some people say this is based on Larson's life. (On one website) But on all the others, it says that Larson was approached by a man who made an opera much like Rent, but needed a newer version. He asked Larson and Larson took the characters from the older version and then remade them. Larson also made new songs for the musical, which he named... as everybody knows... Rent.
All of my friends that are Rent fans say this is true... even two of my music teachers say this is true too. Is it?
|
The Very Angry Woman
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | Okay... I'm sorry about all the things I've said. I googled a bit on Rent and found out a little bit more on it. I also bought the DVD. But what I don't is how some people say this is based on Larson's life. (On one website) But on all the others, it says that Larson was approached by a man who made an opera much like Rent, but needed a newer version. He asked Larson and Larson took the characters from the older version and then remade them. Larson also made new songs for the musical, which he named... as everybody knows... Rent.
All of my friends that are Rent fans say this is true... even two of my music teachers say this is true too. Is it? |
You're right, and they're right. It's a combination of all the things you mentioned.
Tick...Tick...Boom is much, much more based on his life than Rent is, though.
| liz_hearts_acting wrote: | | i have never seen the show live (and i dont know if i do, if anthony isnt there ) |
If you're that sensitive and close-minded about it, I pity the poor Mark who is your first.
|
DramaRobin2002
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | Okay... I'm sorry about all the things I've said. I googled a bit on Rent and found out a little bit more on it. I also bought the DVD. But what I don't is how some people say this is based on Larson's life. (On one website) But on all the others, it says that Larson was approached by a man who made an opera much like Rent, but needed a newer version. He asked Larson and Larson took the characters from the older version and then remade them. Larson also made new songs for the musical, which he named... as everybody knows... Rent.
All of my friends that are Rent fans say this is true... even two of my music teachers say this is true too. Is it? |
That is pretty much correct. Rent is based on the opera La Boheme and Larson was approached by a man who wanted to work with him to update the story. They worked on it in conjunction for a while before they decided they had different ideas and Larson got the go ahead to do the project himself. On the documentary, they said that once that happened Larson began to flesh out the characters and the story. La Boheme takes place in Paris in the 1840's, so I think most of the basing on his own life came from the updating.
|
Pounce
|
| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Nicely-Nicely wrote: | Okay... I'm sorry about all the things I've said. I googled a bit on Rent and found out a little bit more on it. I also bought the DVD. But what I don't is how some people say this is based on Larson's life. (On one website) But on all the others, it says that Larson was approached by a man who made an opera much like Rent, but needed a newer version. He asked Larson and Larson took the characters from the older version and then remade them. Larson also made new songs for the musical, which he named... as everybody knows... Rent.
All of my friends that are Rent fans say this is true... even two of my music teachers say this is true too. Is it? |
You're right, and they're right. It's a combination of all the things you mentioned.
Tick...Tick...Boom is much, much more based on his life than Rent is, though. |
I really liked "tick,tick...Boom!" and unlike RENT, I took to the show immediately. It's more like a traditional musical with dialog and songs. It's also easier to identify with the main character as he tries do decide what to do with his life on the eve of turning 30. RENT and ttB have some similarities but I'd say RENT has the stronger score however ttB's is still good. Because ttB is more of a traditional musical, the cast recording won't give much insight into the show in that the dialog is missing.
ttB is a one act show and is staged in small venues. There is one main character and two actors that play all the other roles. Like RENT there is conversations with parents but it is not done in sing-song fashion. HIV is an issue but not as much as it is in RENT. The main character Jonathan is like Mark in RENT but Jonathan is the center of attention.
| Quote: | | liz_hearts_acting wrote: | | i have never seen the show live (and i dont know if i do, if anthony isnt there ) |
If you're that sensitive and close-minded about it, I pity the poor Mark who is your first. |
Ya gotta admit, Rapp is a hard act to follow.
|
liz_hearts_acting
|
| Quote: | | liz_hearts_acting wrote: | | i have never seen the show live (and i dont know if i do, if anthony isnt there ) |
If you're that sensitive and close-minded about it, I pity the poor Mark who is your first. |
i just realized how closed-minded i sounded, and that if i had the chance, i would see rent live, even if anthony wasnt there. i was just pointing out what a good mark he was.
|
Nicely-Nicely
|
I still wouldn't see the show live. Rent has good music... but I think the story is just crap.
|
DramaRobin2002
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | I still wouldn't see the show live. Rent has good music... but I think the story is just crap. |
That is your opinion. I personally think the story better than quite a few other musicals I've seen, but it's really all a matter of taste.
|
Ulla Dance Again!
|
If that's what you think, fine. I can't convince you to see it if you think the story line is crap. It's definitely confusing at times, but it's still a decent story. Let's face it, Rent will never be as bad as Hello, Dolly! or Bye, Bye Birdie when it comes to storylines.
|
Pounce
|
| Ulla Dance Again! wrote: | | If that's what you think, fine. I can't convince you to see it if you think the story line is crap. It's definitely confusing at times, but it's still a decent story. Let's face it, Rent will never be as bad as Hello, Dolly! or Bye, Bye Birdie when it comes to storylines. |
I don't think it has much of a storyline other than Benny trying to kick the tenants out of their place. That seems to be the basic plot but it is minor compared to the more important elements of exploring relationships and issues among the cast. I think the show is more character driven than plot driven.
|
Nicely-Nicely
|
Yes! That's exactly what I was trying to say. I don't like character driven storylines. I like clear cut storylines with problems and people fixxing them.
|
DramaRobin2002
|
| Nicely-Nicely wrote: | | Yes! That's exactly what I was trying to say. I don't like character driven storylines. I like clear cut storylines with problems and people fixxing them. |
Well, that would explain why you don't like it. But that doesn't make the story crap. Just not the kind of story you like.
|
ShadowInTheWings
|
I'm a person for character-driven stuff, so I loved the movie. I'm hoping to see it sometime in the fall next year. Where? I don't really know, wherever it's playing.
It's kinda disappointing that it won't be the original cast- if only I had though to go see Rent when I was six years old. I think there should be a law that every production must have at least one of the original cast members in it, preferably all of them, but I'm not picky. Between the movie and the cast recoding, I've gotten used to these people as the characters, and I'm afraid that no one will ever live up to that. But, I won't let that fear stop me from seeing it.
On that note, I noticed a serious difference in the quality between the original recording and the movie. They each had their strong points obviously, but singing-wise, what disapppointed me most was the film version of "One Song Glory." It just sounds terribly weak when compared to the original, lacking a certain raw power to it.
|
