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Author	Topic: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Mama Mia" (2008)
ShrunkenJedi Registered: Apr '03	Date Posted: 2/9 1:32pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "The Man of La Mancha" (1972)
	I love the play (especially the soundtrack! love the soundtrack!), but I've never seen the movie. Tina: are you talking about the movie? Anyone else able to give the differences? I love O'Toole in Lawrence of Arabia and would love to see how he does this one. My favorite songs are 'Aldonza' (really makes you think, and full of self-pity and loathing but still an incredible strength), I'm Only Thinking of Him, and the finale. -----signature----- Fanficcer and Fanartist-- check the profile! My New Drabbles and Viggies: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28153417/
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Zaz Title: Manager, The Ampitheatre Registered: Oct '98	Date Posted: 2/9 9:21pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "The Man of La Mancha" (1972)
	It's considered an unadaptable book by a lot of people, so the musical version isn't horrid.
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RX_Sith Title: Monopoly host Registered: Mar '06	Date Posted: 2/18 6:50am Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1973)
	Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). (from wiki) Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973, Oscar-nominated film adaptation of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, about the last weeks of the life of Jesus. The film was directed by Norman Jewison. Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson were nominated for two 1974 Golden Globe Award for their portrayals of Jesus and Judas, respectively. Though it attracted criticism from some religious groups, the film was generally well received. Production history During the filming of Fiddler on the Roof, Barry Dennen (who played Pilate on the concept album) suggested to Norman Jewison that he should direct Jesus Christ Superstar as a film. After hearing the album, Jewison agreed to do it. The film was shot in Israel (primarily at the ruins of Avdat) and other Middle Eastern locations in 1973. The cast consisted mostly of actors from the Broadway show, with Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson starring as Jesus and Judas. Neeley had played a reporter, and a leper in the Broadway version, and understudied the role of Jesus. Along with Dennen, Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene), and Bob Bingham (Caiaphas) reprised their Broadway roles in the film. Originally, Jewison had wanted Ian Gillan to reprise his role as Jesus, but Gillan turned down the offer, deciding that he would please fans more by touring with Deep Purple. Like the stage show, the film gave rise to controversy even with the changes to the script. Some of the lyrics were changed for the film, partly enriching its content ("Hosanna", "The Temple") and partly making it more acceptable for a Christian audience. When Jesus had originally said to a group of beggars overpowering him "Heal yourselves!", the film had "Leave me alone!". In "Trial before Pilate", Jesus said "There may be a kingdom for me somewhere else, if you only knew", while the original line had been "if I only knew". And in "Judas' Death," the line "What you have done will be the saving of Israel" was changed to "... the saving of everyone." Another important change was the insertion of a totally new song ("Then We Are Decided") in which the troubles and fears of Annas and Caiaphas regarding Jesus are better developed. These latter changes weren't espoused by later productions and recordings. Plot The show begins with a group of actors arriving in a bus and preparing for the filming of "Jesus Christ Superstar" during the overture. The show gets underway, and we see Judas sitting on a hill watching Jesus surrounded by followers. Judas is worried about Jesus' popularity - he is being hailed as a God, but Judas knows he is just a man, and fears the consequences of their growing movement ("Heaven On Their Minds"). The other disciples badger Jesus for information about his plans for the future, but Jesus will not give them any ("What's The Buzz?"). A woman named Mary Magdalene tries to calm Jesus by dabbing cool water on his face. Jesus finds this very soothing, but Judas ruins everything when he arrives and tells Jesus that he should not be associating with Mary, ("Strange Things Mystifying"). Furious, Jesus tells Judas that he should leave Mary alone, because his slate is not clean. He then accuses all the apostles of not caring about him, and storms off. In a new song added for the film, we are introduced to the High Priest, Caiaphas, and his sidekick, Annas. Caiaphas is worried about Jesus' growing popularity as well- he fears that the people will crown him King, which will upset the Romans. At first, Annas tries to calm him, but he finally sees Caiaphas' point, and suggests that he convene the council and explain his fears to them. Caiaphas agrees ("Then We Are Decided"). Mary Magdalene rubs ointment on Jesus' face to calm him, ("Everything's Alright"). The relaxing mood is again shattered by Judas, who says that the money spent on ointment should have been given to the poor. Jesus rebukes him again, and the song continues. The council of the Priests meet, and they all discuss their fears about Jesus. Caiaphas tells them that there is only one solution, ("This Jesus Must Die"). Jesus and his followers joyfully arrive in Jerusalem, but Caiaphas orders Jesus to disband the crowd for fear of a riot. Jesus refuses ("Hosanna"). An apostle named Simon Zealotes, and a crowd of followers, voice their admiration for Jesus ("Simon Zealotes"). Jesus appreciates this, but becomes worried when Simon suggests directing the crowd towards an uprising against their Roman occupiers. Jesus sadly dismisses this suggestion, saying that they do not understand his true purpose. ("Poor Jerusalem"). We are now introduced to Pilate, the Roman governor. He reveals that he has dreamed about Jesus - he has dreamed that he will be blamed for his death ("Pilate's Dream"). Jesus and his followers arrive at the temple, which has been taken over by traders and prostitutes. A furious Jesus destroys the stalls and sends them all packing ("The Temple"). A disconsolate Jesus goes for a walk, but is confronted by a crowd of lepers, all wanting to be healed. Jesus tries to heal as many of them as possible, but eventually gives up and screams at them to leave him alone. Mary comforts Jesus and Jesus goes to sleep. Mary loves Jesus, but is worried because he is so unlike any other man she has met ("I Don't Know How To Love Him"). Judas' doubts have come to a head. He goes to the Priests and expresses his concerns, but he is worried about the consequences of betraying Jesus ("Damned For All Time"). The Priests take advantage of his doubts, and offer him money if they will lead him to Jesus. Judas initially refuses, but Caiaphas wins him over, by reminding him that he could use the money to help the poor ("Blood Money"). At the Last Supper, Jesus reveals that he knows Judas will betray him. A bitter argument between them ensues. Judas leaves. Jesus and the remaining apostles go to Gethsemane. Jesus leaves them and vents his feelings about his imminent death ("Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say")). He returns to his disciples, but Judas arrives before he can wake them, and he is captured by guards. The disciples offer to fight the guards ("What's The Buzz? (Reprise)"), but Jesus will not allow it. Jesus is taken to the High Priest's House ("The Arrest"), found guilty of blasphemy, and sent to Pilate. Peter, meanwhile, denies Jesus three times, after being set on by a crowd of Jesus' enemies, ("Peter's Denial"). Jesus is taken to Pilate's house, where the governor, in spite of his earlier fears, mocks him. He then sends him to Herod - he does not deal with Galileans ("Pilate and Christ"). The effeminate and flamboyant King Herod is excited to finally meet Jesus, for he has heard all the hype about him. He tries to persuade Jesus to perform various miracles for him, promising to set him free if he does. Jesus does not perform miracles, and Herod has a dramatic change of mood. He hurls abuse at Jesus, throwing bread at him as he does so. The guards take the hint and drag Jesus off ("King Herod's Song"). The apostles and Mary Magdalene remember how things began, and wish they hadn't gotten so out of hand. Mary wishes they could start from the beginning again ("Could We Start Again Please?"). Jesus is flung into a cell, where he is seen by Judas, who is gripped by remorse and runs to tell the priests that he regrets his part in the arrest. The priests try to make him see that he has done the right thing, but fail. Judas hurls his money to the ground, runs off and hangs himself ("Judas' Death"). Jesus is taken back to Pilate. Pilate questions him, and realises that, although he thinks Jesus is mad, he has committed no crime. The crowd yell for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate attempts to sway them by having Jesus flogged ("Trial Before Pilate and 39 lashes"). Pilate starts out calm, but by the end of the flogging he is angry. Herod is present, and he finds the flogging hilarious at first, but by the end he is feeling pretty sick. Pilate realises he has no option but to kill Jesus, or he will lose his job - and Jesus seems to want to die anyway. Cast * Ted Neeley as Jesus Christ * Carl Anderson as Judas Iscariot * Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene * Barry Dennen as Pontius Pilate * Bob Bingham as Caiaphas * Josh Mostel as King Herod * Kurt Yahgjian as Annas * Philip Toubus as Peter * Larry Marshall as Simon Zealotes Soundtrack The soundtrack for the film was released on vinyl by MCA Records in 1973. It was re-released on CD in 1993 and in 1998. Side one * "Overture" – 5:26 * "Heaven on Their Minds" – 4:22 * "What's the Buzz?" – 2:30 * "Strange Thing Mystifying" – 1:50 * "Then We Are Decided" – 2:32 * "Everything's Alright" – 3:36 * "This Jesus Must Die" – 3:45 Side two * "Hosanna" – 2:32 * "Simon Zealotes" – 4:28 * "Poor Jerusalem" – 1:36 * "Pilate's Dream" – 1:45 * "The Temple" – 5:26 * "I Don't Know How to Love Him" – 3:55 * "Damned for All Time" / "Blood Money" – 4:37 Side three * "The Last Supper" – 7:12 * "Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)" – 5:39 * "The Arrest" – 3:15 * "Peter's Denial" – 1:26 * "Pilate & Christ" – 2:57 * "King Herod Song" – 3:13 Side four * "Could We Start Again, Please?" – 2:44 * "Judas' Death" – 4:38 * "Trial Before Pilate" – 6:47 * "Superstar" – 3:56 * "Crucifixion" – 2:40 * "John Nineteen: Forty-One" – 2:20 Discuss. -----signature----- Chief of Staff - The SWC Rebel Scum
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Zaz Title: Manager, The Ampitheatre Registered: Oct '98	Date Posted: 2/18 7:36am Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1973)
	This is perhaps the only time I can say that I saw this on the stage and not the movie. It was a high school production, but there it is. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's first big hit. The music is good, the lyrics are quite often flat, their often flip tone succeeding only in "Herod's Song."
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Strilo Title: PT Manager Registered: Aug '01	Date Posted: 2/18 10:40am Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1973)
	This is hands down my favorite musical of all time. I LOVE it. -----signature----- #1 on iTunes Most Played: R.E.M. "Imitation of Life" #1 on iTunes Film Scores: Harry Potter "A Window to the Past" * * * * * * "And therefore blah blah blah your mom..."
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Obi Anne Title: FanForce RSA Europe Registered: Nov '98	Date Posted: 2/18 12:08pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1973)
	The song "Could we start again please" was also added for the film. I love JCS but I'm not particularly fond of this version of it. To me it's too anchored in the 70's and there are way too many hippies around for my taste. I prefer the version that was filmed in 2000, but I've understood I'm in a minority when it comes to that. (try to go to a JCS forum and say something even remotely positive about the 2000 version and you get a worse reception than if you had said that Jar Jar wasn't such a bad character in the basher sanctuary) One reason why I like the 2000 is a reason why people don't like it, many of the voices sound more classical than the rockier 1973 version. -----signature----- Tea one, proud member of the Tea Squad, FanForce Meeting 2006, Berlin GSADMINCOACHEMPERORRULERPRESIDENTTSARMINISTERQUEEN liuba
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Strilo Title: PT Manager Registered: Aug '01	Date Posted: 2/18 12:21pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1973)
	The version I have is a revival from 1996 I think, with Steve Balsamo as Jesus. It's more rock oriented and I really like the music better. It features the song Could We Start Again Please? as well. I believe it was a revival done by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself. -----signature----- #1 on iTunes Most Played: R.E.M. "Imitation of Life" #1 on iTunes Film Scores: Harry Potter "A Window to the Past" * * * * * * "And therefore blah blah blah your mom..."
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solojones Registered: Sep '00	Date Posted: 2/18 12:27pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1973)
	I like this as a musical, but I don't like this movie. It's just too flat, too underwhelming... and just weird. I don't know. It's not one of my absolute favourite musicals overall anyway, but there are a couple songs I really love (Herod's Song, Gethsemane). For some reason as movie it doesn't work for me. -sj loves kevin spacey -----signature----- 6 x 9 = 42 Proud member of the Colbert Nation Obi-Wan Kenobi and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Ghost Ship Executor All Hail Cliegg's Blue Leg!
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RX_Sith Title: Monopoly host Registered: Mar '06	Date Posted: 2/25 2:01pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Nashville" (1975)
	Nashville (1975). (from wiki) Nashville is a 1975 American drama film directed by Robert Altman. It depicts the country music and gospel music businesses in Nashville, Tennessee and combines them with material on U.S. presidential politics. The film weaves together multiple storylines that eventually coalesce in the final half-hour in a climactic sequence at the Parthenon in Nashville. Among its many musical sequences, the song "It Don't Worry Me" is the film's theme, heard sporadically throughout and then performed at the climax. The film features a large ensemble cast including David Arkin, Barbara Baxley, Ned Beatty, Karen Black, Ronee Blakley, Keith Carradine, Geraldine Chaplin, Robert DoQui, Shelley Duvall, Allen Garfield, Henry Gibson, Scott Glenn, Jeff Goldblum, Barbara Harris, David Hayward, Michael Murphy, Cristina Raines, Bert Remsen, Lily Tomlin, Gwen Welles and Keenan Wynn. Production The film was written by Joan Tewkesbury but as in many of Altman's films, improvisation was important in the filming process, and Nashville features Altman's trademark overlapping dialogue. Many of the characters in the film are based on real country music figures: Henry Gibson's Haven Hamilton is a composite of Roy Acuff, Hank Snow and Porter Wagoner; Ronee Blakely's Barbara Jean is based on Loretta Lynn; the black country singer Tommy Brown (played by Timothy Brown) is based on Charley Pride; and the feuding folk trio is based on Peter, Paul and Mary. Keith Carradine's character is believed to be inspired by Kris Kristofferson and Karen Black's Connie strongly resembles Lynn Anderson. Filmed in Nashville in the summer (late July, August, and early September) of 1974, Altman had enough footage to produce a four-hour film, and assistant director Alan Rudolph suggested he create an expanded version of "Nashville" to be shown in two parts, "Nashville Red" and "Nashville Blue," but the film ultimately remained intact.[1] After a rush of critical acclaim, ABC expressed interest in a proposal for a ten-hour miniseries of "Nashville," based on the footage not used in the final cut, but plans for the project were scrapped.[1] The additional footage has not been made available on DVD releases. The Hal Phillip Walker political campaign was designed by actor-screenwriter Thomas Hal Phillips. Cast and characters * David Arkin plays a friendly chauffeur who wants to be liked by the celebrities. * Richard Baskin as Frog, a struggling young session musician who is fired from a recording session and is urged to get a haircut by Haven Hamilton. * Barbara Baxley as Lady Pearl, Haven Hamilton's wife, who manages a bluegrass night at a downtown club. * Ned Beatty as Delbert Reese, Haven Hamilton's lawyer and local organizer for the Hal Philip Walker campaign. * Karen Black as Connie White, a country singer who replaces Barbara Jean on the Grand Ole Opry. * Ronee Blakley as Barbara Jean, a mentally unstable superstar country singer who is recovering from injuries she received in a fire, she is hospitalized again after collapsing on arrival at the airport. * Timothy Brown as Tommy Brown, a singing star of the Grand Ole Opry. * Keith Carradine as Tom Frank, a member of the folk rock trio Bill, Mary and Tom, who is seeking to strike out on his own as a solo artist. He is also a self-absorbed womanizer and seeks to have a tryst with Linnea Reese even while sleeping with Mary and Opal. * Geraldine Chaplin as Opal, an intrusive, ever-present BBC reporter. * Robert DoQui as Wade Cooley, a cook at the airport restaurant and co-worker with Sueleen Gay, who also works odd jobs around Nashville. * Shelley Duvall as Marthe, the niece of Mr. Green who is in town ostensibly to visit her sick aunt. She prefers to be called L. A. Joan, and carries on flirtatiously with most men she meets. * Allen Garfield as Barnett, a husband and manager of Barbara Jean. * Henry Gibson as Haven Hamilton, the superstar singer on the Grand Ole Opry and a powerful figure in the local business community. * Scott Glenn as Pfc. Glenn Kelly, a Vietnam War veteran who is in town to visit Barbara Jean at the behest of his mother. * Jeff Goldblum as Tricycle Man, a silent, ubiquitous figure around Nashville, he rides his long, low-slung three-wheel motorcycle everywhere, and performs magic tricks. * Barbara Harris as Winifred/Albuquerque, an aspiring singer-songwriter who has run away from her husband. * Merle Kilgore as Trout, the owner of a club that has an open-mic talent night who gives Sueleen Gay what she believes to be her big break as a singer. * Michael Murphy as John Triplette, the national organizer for the Hal Philip Walker presidential campaign. * Allan F. Nicholls as Bill, part of the folk trio, Bill, Mary and Tom, he is married to Mary. * Dave Peel as Bud Hamilton, the son of Haven Hamilton, who handles his father's business affairs. * Cristina Raines as Mary, part of the folk trio, Bill, Mary and Tom, she is married to Bill, but is having an affair with Tom Franks, with whom she's fallen in love. * Bert Remsen as Star, Albuquerque's husband. * Lily Tomlin as Linnea Reese, a gospel singer, wife of Delbert Reese and loving mother of two deaf children, she has a tryst with Tom Frank. * Gwen Welles as Sueleen Gay, a waitress at the airport lunch counter and an aspiring country singer who cannot sing. She is hired to entertain at a political fund-raising "smoker" and is forced to perform a striptease act. * Keenan Wynn as Mr. Green, the uncle of Marthe, his wife is dying at Vanderbilt Hospital. He rents a spare room in his house to Norman. There are also cameo appearances by Elliott Gould, Julie Christie and Howard K. Smith. Reception Critical response Ratings Canada (Ontario): PG Finland: K-12 Malaysia: PG-13 Netherlands: 12 Singapore: NC-16 Sweden: 11 United States: R In 1992, Nashville was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". In 2007, the movie ranked at #59 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies - 10th Anniversary Edition list, after not having appeared on the original list in 1998. Nashville response The movie was widely despised by the mainstream country-music community at the time of its release, with many artists believing it was ridiculing their talent and sincerity. Awards The film won an Oscar for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song - Motion Picture (awarded to Keith Carradine for "I'm Easy"). In addition, Ronee Blakley and Lily Tomlin were nominated for Best Supporting Actress Altman was nominated for Best Director, and the film itself for Best Picture. It also won a BAFTA Film Award for "Best Sound Track." Altman won for best director from: Cartagena Film Festival; Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards; National Board of Review; National Society of Film Critics Awards; and the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. Soundtrack The actors and actresses composed some of the songs they performed in the film. Ronee Blakley contributed several songs, including those performed by Timothy Brown. Karen Black wrote the songs she performed in character as Connie White. Keith Carradine wrote "I'm Easy", which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song - Motion Picture. Carradine also wrote "It Don't Worry Me", which is featured throughout the film, and is the climactic closing number. Film score composer Richard Baskin, who portrays the struggling session musician Frog, composed songs for Henry Gibson to sing in character as Haven Hamilton. In the film, Hamilton scolds Frog for having long hair, tells him he doesn't "belong in Nashville" and fires him from a recording session for playing bad notes on the piano. Baskin served as music supervisor on Nashville. Several respected Nashville session musicians took part in the music recording and in the film itself, including violinist Vassar Clements and guitarist Harold Bradley. While the music was viewed in the Nashville music industry as mean-spirited satire, the songs have achieved a cult-status among alternative country musicians. In 2002, the album, A Tribute to Robert Altman's Nashville was released, featuring interpretations of the film's songs by Canadian alt-country figures, including Carolyn Mark, Kelly Hogan and Neko Case. Track listing 1. "It Don't Worry Me" (written and performed by Keith Carradine) – 2:47 2. "Bluebird" (written by Ronee Blakley; performed by Timothy Brown) – 3:35 3. "For The Sake Of The Children" (written by Richard Baskin; performed by Henry Gibson) – 3:18 4. "Keep A-Goin'" (written by Richard Baskin; performed by Henry Gibson) – 2:49 5. "Memphis" (written and performed by Karen Black) – 2:07 6. "Rolling Stone" (written and performed by Karen Black) – 3:57 7. "200 Years" (written by Richard Baskin and Henry Gibson, performed by Henry Gibson) – 3:04 8. "Tapedeck in His Tractor" (written and performed by Ronee Blakley) – 2:20 9. "Dues" (written and performed by Ronee Blakley) – 3:40 10. "I'm Easy" (written and performed by Keith Carradine) – 3:02 11. "One, I Love You" (written by Richard Baskin; performed by Henry Gibson and Ronee Blakley)– 2:37 12. "My Idaho Home" (written and performed by Ronee Blakley) – 3:06 13. "It Don't Worry Me (Reprise)" (written by Keith Carradine and performed by breenBarbara Harris) – 3:57 Other songs in the film Several more songs are featured in the film, but not on the soundtrack album. They include: * "Yes, I Do", composed by Richard Baskin and Lily Tomlin; performed by Lily Tomlin * "Down to the River", written and performed by Ronee Blakley * "Let Me Be the One", written by Richard Baskin; performed by Gwen Welles * "Sing a Song", written by Joe Raposo * "The Heart of a Gentle Woman", written and performed by Dave Peel * "The Day I Looked Jesus in the Eye", written by Richard Baskin and Robert Altman * "I Don't Know If I Found It in You", written and performed by Karen Black * "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", traditional * "Honey", written and performed by Keith Carradine * "I Never Get Enough", written by Richard Baskin and Ben Raleigh; performed by Gwen Welles * "Rose's Cafe", written and performed by Allan F. Nicholls * "Old Man Mississippi", written by Juan Grizzle * "My Baby's Cookin' in Another Man's Pan", written and performed by Jonnie Barnett * "Since You've Gone", written by Gary Busey, performed by Allan F. Nicholls, Cristina Raines and Keith Carradine * "Trouble in the U.S.A.", written by Arlene Barnett Legacy Plans were discussed for a sequel to Nashville, set twelve years later and titled Nashville 12, and most of the original players agreed to appear. In the script for the sequel, Lily Tomlin's character, Linnea, is running for political office; and Barnett now managing Connie White and obsessed with a Barbara Jean impersonator. The 1992 presidential campaign of H. Ross Perot is reminiscent of the campaign of the "Replacement Party" and its candidate in this film, Hal Phillip Walker, the fictional candidate with a twang in his voice and a penchant for folksy maxims. The shooting of Barbara Jean by a deranged loner at Nashville's Parthenon foreshadowed the murder of John Lennon in 1980; in interviews on the DVD, Altman remarks that after Lennon's death, reporters questioned the director about "Nashville" and its harbinger of the assassination of a music star. Robert Altman: "When John Lennon got assassinated, I get a call immediately from the Washington Post and they said 'do you feel responsible for this?' and I said 'what do you mean responsible?' 'Well I mean you're the one that predicted there would be a political assassination of a star'. 'And I said 'well I don't feel responsible', but I said, 'but don't you feel responsible for not heeding my warning?' The statement here is, these people are not assassinated because of their ideas or what they do. They're assassinated to draw attention to the assassin. And in political assassinations, in their sort of warped minds, they know that they are going to have a certain amount of people who said ' That son of a bitch should have been shot [the politician],' because there's such heat about it. But actually what their are doing is killing somebody who's in the public eye and is some sort of an icon. Because this feeling that by, doing that, committing that assassination they draw the attention to them self, and they make themselves consequently important. Ah, and its no surprise to me, the Lennon assassination, because this is what all that is, and I don't think we have seen the end of it either." (From the "Commentary by Robert Altman" on the DVD extra: Robert Altman. Nashville [Motion Picture/DVD]. Hollywood, California: Paramount Pictures 2000 / American Broadcasting Companies 1975.) Review Much like some of the other comments about "Nashville" that are circulating around IMDB, the reviews I've seen of Robert Altman's 1975 Oscar contender have been completely adulatory or completely dismissive. Contrary to some comments I've read, "Nashville" looks as prescient and magnificent now as it appeared to some critics nearly thirty years ago. Dated? Absolutely not. "Nashville" is a movie about people more than anything else, but a political campaign van that appears throughout the movie shows the unavoidable nature of politics in people's lives in the 70's. Has that changed since then? It's even more true now, with our war in Iraq and all of the conflicting viewpoints that exist. Annoying overlapping dialogue? To dismiss this unique trait of "Nashville" is to hate the trademark of director Robert Altman. Do people wait their turn as if reading from a screenplay in real life? Muddy cinematography? Certainly not - to show a Nashville vibrant with colors that don't really fit (a crime that most visually overachieving movies commit) would distract from Altman's amazing focus on the relationships of the characters that he builds so well. And the characters....the dozens of cast members lend terrific support to a film that moves forward constantly while never seeming to move too fast, leaving time for moments of poignancy and heartbreak, as well as unintentionally hilarious moments (as every good pseudo-documentary film has). Who can forget Lily Tomlin gazing at her deaf children tenderly as their father completely ignores them as they speak? Or the moment Keith Carradine performs his Oscar-winning "I'm Easy" in front of a night club crowd? Really, "Nashville" is filled with great moments ALL the time that make the nearly three-hour film unmissable, but nothing in the world can prepare the patient viewer for the film's breathtaking finale which seems even more moving today in the midst of everything. Forget the "National Anthem" or "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The gospel-esque strains of "It Don't Worry Me" make it the American song for the ages, in an American film that ranks among the best of its kind. Discuss. -----signature----- Chief of Staff - The SWC Rebel Scum
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Deneveon Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 2/25 7:00pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Nashville" (1975)
	I'm currently taking a writing class called The Rhetoric of Movie Musicals. It's amazing. Anyway, I haven't seen Nashville, so I can't comment on this one, sadly.
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RX_Sith Title: Monopoly host Registered: Mar '06	Date Posted: 3/3 7:06am Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
	The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). (from wiki) The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy film that parodies science fiction and horror films. With a screenplay written by Richard O'Brien and Jim Sharman, the film features Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. The film is based on the British musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show. The film is considered a cult classic and a midnight movie, although it is widely known by mainstream audiences and has a large international following. RHPS was the first movie from a major film studio (20th Century-Fox) in the midnight-movie market. While the film is popular, critics point to the lack of plot, the cartoonish style, and the overly sexual nature of the film as some of its major drawbacks. Regardless, the movie is one of the most well known and financially successful midnight movies. It is the longest running theatrical release in film history. More than 30 years later it is still in limited release in cinemas around the world. In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Plot The story, narrated by a criminologist (Charles Gray), is that of a newly engaged young couple, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon), who find themselves lost on a cold and rainy late November evening. Seeking a phone from which to call for help, the two find shelter at a nearby castle inhabited by strange and outlandish characters who are holding an Annual Transylvanian Convention. They watch, still wet from the rain, as the Transylvanians dance the Time Warp, the film's signature song. They are soon swept into the world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a self-proclaimed "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania" and his servants, siblings Riff Raff (Richard O'Brien) and Magenta (Patricia Quinn), as well as groupie Columbia (Nell Campbell) and an ensemble of convention attendees. It is Furter's intention to unveil the "secret to life itself". In a scene inspired by Frankenstein movies, "Rocky Horror" (Peter Hinwood) is brought to life. After the disoriented Rocky is chased down by Frank, the party is interrupted by Eddie (Meat Loaf), an ex-delivery boy, who rides out of a deep freeze on a motorcycle. The scene ends with his bloody death at the hands of Furter. Brad and Janet are shown to separate rooms where their host has his way with both. Janet, overcome with emotion, wanders off looking for Brad. She discovers a cowering Rocky, hiding in his birth tank from Riff Raff, who torments the creature much as Igor tormented Frankenstein's monster. Janet, having discovered Brad's infidelity, chooses to take advantage of the situation with Rocky. After discovering the "Creature" is missing, Frank, Brad, and Riff Raff return to the lab where they learn that an intruder has entered the building. Dr. Everett Scott (Jonathan Adams), Brad and Janet's old high school science teacher, has come looking for Eddie, who is his nephew. It is at this point that Rocky and Janet are discovered hiding together. In a scene added specifically for the film version, the new guests are prepared a dinner consisting of Eddie's remains. After they see what they have consumed, horror and disgust lead to a chase after Janet who runs screaming from the room. Frank captures all, temporarily turning them into statues and commanding them to participate in a cabaret-style floor show. The performance is disrupted by Riff Raff and Magenta, who kill Columbia, Frank, and Rocky. They release the earthlings—Brad, Janet, and Dr. Scott—as the castle takes off into space to return to the planet of Transexual, in the galaxy of Transylvania. Production Based on the London stage production "The Rocky Horror Show", by Richard O'Brien, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is slightly different from its original theatrical conception. In the production of the film, many of the original aspects from the Kings Road stage production changed, as did characters and dialogue, although many cast- and crew-members from its original production returned to work on the film. Director Jim Sharman, production designer Brian Thomson, and costume designer Sue Blane collaborated on the original London production with many of the cast that made it into the film version. Tim Curry reprised his role from the London and Los Angeles stage productions. After the film, Curry also did a short run on Broadway as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Creator Richard O'Brien also returned for the film from the British stage team, as did Little Nell and Patricia Quinn. The film was shot at Bray Studios and Oakley Court, a country house in Berkshire, England, UK from October 21, 1974 to December 19, 1974. Filming of Rocky's birth occurred on October 30, 1974, the 81st anniversary of the birth of Charles Atlas. Several ideas from the original conception of the film were dropped before production. During the opening theme, the film was supposed to include clips from all the movies mentioned in the song "Science Fiction Double Feature". Producers discovered quickly that obtaining the rights to all the various film clips would be very costly, and cut the idea. Another idea was to parallel The Wizard of Oz by having the first 20 minutes of the film in black-and-white and Academy ratio until the doors burst open showing the Transylvanians in widescreen and then to full color at Frank's entrance. This effect would have been prohibitively expensive, so the idea was discarded. The film was, however, shot in the narrower 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Locations, sets, and props The film's plot, setting, and style echoes that of the Hammer Horror films. Much like Universal Studios' Horror films had their own style, Hammer productions did as well. Reuse of sets and props through many of their films, was money and time saving. Production designer Brian Thomson and director Jim Sharman chose locations, sets, and even props that were, in many cases, used in various old Hammer productions. The castle is known as the Hammer House for the number of films that it appeared in. A great deal of location shooting took place here. At the time, the manor was in very dilapidated condition. Filming took place during the fall and winter with English weather, and made conditions very harsh. Susan Sarandon became ill due to the cold conditions and the lack of covering with most of the character's costumes. Today, the castle, Oakley Court, has been completely refurbished and is now a luxury hotel. It recently hosted a Rocky Horror picnic on its grounds. The classic "Creation" scene in Rocky Horror, so reminiscent of "Frankenstein" movies, has a good reason for that feel. The scene re-uses the tank and dummy from a Hammer production of "The Revenge of Frankenstein" starring Peter Cushing. Other props and set pieces were used as well from stock that may be seen in many old British television shows and feature films. Costumes Perhaps the most unusual parts of this film are the costumes worn by the cast. Costume designer Sue Blane based all her designs on what little she knew of 1950's America as well as a previous stage production she designed called "The Maids". It is from this production that Tim Curry's Victorian corset is borrowed. Blane compared the relatively small ($400) costume budget of the stage show to the $1600 costume budget in 1974 for the film. Nearly all the costume designs from the original stage production were transferred directly to the film, with a few exceptions. Some new designs appeared as well as a few that were discarded. In the London stage production, Tim Curry began the role of Frank-N-Furter as a blond, although it was short lived, the original design sketches by Blane do reflect that. Magenta gained a new maid costume to give the character more purpose and Columbia gained a sequined tuxedo and tails. The introduction of new characters such as the Transylvanians presented Sue Blane with a challenge to costume a number of extras who reappear throughout the film. The outcome of their costuming did not satisfy Blane who stated that she wished she had more time for those particular costumes. In the stage productions, actors generally did their own make-up, but for this film producers chose famed artist Pierre La Roche to redesign the make-up for each character. La Roche is also famous for designing make-up for David Bowie. Production stills were taken by an artist famous for his 1970's rock photographs, Mick Rock. The photographer has published many calendars and photo books from his Rocky Horror work. Casting The majority of the cast from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" posing for the wedding photo at Ralph and Betty's wedding in the movie's opening scene. * Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a Scientist. Auditioning for the part for the original stage production Tim Curry sang the song "Tutti Frutti". He originated the role and recreated it in all productions except the Australian production up to filming. Frank is a flamboyant, well-meaning, often devious and sometimes evil transvestite, bisexual scientist. * Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss, a Heroine. Sarandon was not the first choice for the Production but Twentieth Century Fox insisted on American casting for the part of both Brad and Janet. Janet Weiss is the well-meaning, sweet and somewhat naive woman who was recently engaged to Brad. * Barry Bostwick as Brad Majors, a Hero. Bostwick had previous had training in singing, juggling, trapeze, clown techniques, fencing, mime and ballet before his role in the film. Brad Majors is the clean-cut fiancé of Janet Weiss, to whom he recently proposed to at a friend's wedding. * Richard O'Brien as Riff Raff, a Handyman. The author and song writer, Richard O'Brien had originally seen himself as Eddie. It was director Jim Sharman who cast him as Riff Raff. * Patricia Quinn as Magenta, a Domestic. Quinn reprises her role from the original stage production, however she was not in any of the other productions. She almost did not return for the filming, as the part was drastically reduced from the stage play. Magenta is the sister of Riff Raff, and works as Frank's domestic worker. Patricia Quinn's lips are also used for the iconic opening number and movie poster. * Nell Campbell as Columbia, a Groupie. Laura "Little Nell" Campbell recreates her character from the original stage production. Columbia is the groupie and friend of Frank, but also Eddie's alledged lover. * Jonathan Adams as Dr. Everett Von Scott, a Rival Scientist. He is Brad and Janet's science teacher. He has come to the castle in search of his nephew Eddie, who has been murdered by Frank. Adams originally played the role of the Narrator in the London production. * Peter Hinwood as Rocky Horror, a Creation. Muscle bound creation of Frank's, with blond hair and a tan. Peter Hinwood has his own solo in "Sword of Damocles", but does not speak throughout the show. This was changed from the stage show. Rocky's songs are performed by Trevor White. * Charles Gray as The Criminologist, an Expert. Narrator of the film. Gray accepted the role by saying, "Why not?" The character becomes a criminologist in the film, another change from the stage production. * Meat Loaf as Eddie, an Ex-delivery boy. Columbia's boyfriend. Dr. Frank-N-Furter murders Eddie in the film version. In the stage version, Eddie merely pops out of a Coke machine and then jumps back in at the end of the scene. Release The film has found a major longevity in many venues throughout the years in the United States, as well as internationally. The movie is considered to be the longest running release in film history. It has never been pulled by Twentieth Century Fox from its original 1975 release, and continues to play in cinemas more than thirty years later. Some cinemas showing the movie have run it for decades at a time. The film was released on VHS during the home video boom of the 1980s, except for in the U.S., which had to wait for the 15th anniversary in 1990. The limited VHS edition release had a suggested retail price of $100. In 1993, a LaserDisc edition was released, and in 1995 a Special Edition LaserDisc was released. On the 25th anniversary in 2000, the DVD with all the special features from the LaserDisc, as well as new features and DVD-Rom games was released. Before the mainstream use of home video a Super 8 version of selected scenes of the film was available. There are two versions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the US and British releases. The British version contains the original ending which includes the full version of the musical number "Super Heroes". The US version edits out the number, which was thought to be too depressing by the studio. Both versions are on the 25th Anniversary DVD. Reception Main article: The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult following The film opened in the U.S. at the UA Theatre in Westwood, California on September 26, 1975. It did well at that location but not elsewhere. The cult following did not begin until the movie began its midnight run at the Waverly Theatre in New York on April 1, 1976. The film is still shown with audience members acting out the entire movie in front of the screen. Overall, critics were negative with their reviews of the movie. The overly sexual nature of this British rock comedy was not well received by the mainstream media of 1975, although there were positive reviews. The music was praised, as was Tim Curry's performance. However, before the success of the midnight screenings, the film was withdrawn from its eight opening cities due to very small audiences, and its planned New York opening (on Halloween night) was cancelled. Fox re-released it around college campuses on a double-bill with another rock music film parody, Paul Williams' Phantom of the Paradise, but again it drew small audiences. With Pink Flamingos (1972) and Reefer Madness (1936) making money in midnight showings nationwide, RHPS was eventually screened at midnight, starting in New York City on April Fools' Day of 1976.[19] By that Halloween, people were attending in costume and talking back to the screen. By mid-1978, RHPS was playing in over fifty locations on Fridays and Saturdays at midnight, newsletters were published by local performance groups, and fans gathered for Rocky Horror conventions. By the end of 1979, there were twice-weekly showings at over 230 theaters. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has taken in $139,876,417 (USA) (sub-total) in box office receipts since its release. The length of its run in cinemas (weekly for over 30 years), combined with its considerable total box office gross, is unparalleled by any other film. The original budget for the movie was $1,200,000 (estimated). The audience participation made the film become a worldwide phenomenon. As the cult-audience grew, Rocky Horror fandom became the subject of news stories. Dori Hartley, a fan from the original New York shadow cast, went on to appear in "Paradise Garage", a Tim Curry music video. After the release, the original advertising campaign for screen and television was pulled by Twentieth Century Fox executives in the very early stage. The studio objected to the use of the red lipsticked lips uttering the words Twentieth Century Fox. The American television network Fox Broadcasting aired the film's much-publicized world television premiere on October 25, 1993. The film's popularity breathed new life to the stage production, which had had a 45-performance run on Broadway early in 1975 at the Belasco Theatre. Rocky Horror sequels and other media have found their way into production, including merchandise ranging from prefabricated costumes, games, and soundtrack releases. Soundtrack Song Lead Singer(s) Other Singers Scene Science Fiction/Double Feature Richard O'Brien N/A Opening credits Dammit Janet Brad, Janet Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia Hapschatt wedding Over at the Frankenstein Place Brad, Janet Riff Raff, Chorus A rainy night on the way to Dr. Scott's The Time Warp Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia Criminologist, Transylvanians Ballroom of the castle Sweet Transvestite Frank-N-Furter Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Transylvanians Ballroom of the castle immediately after Time Warp The Sword of Damocles Rocky Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Transylvanians The "Lab" I Can Make You a Man Frank-N-Furter Transylvanians The "Lab" Hot Patootie Eddie Transylvanians The "Lab" I Can Make You a Man (Reprise) Frank-N-Furter Janet, Transylvanians The "Lab" Once in a While (deleted scene/song) Brad N/A Brad's Bedroom (intercut with scenes of him and Janet from the first half of the movie) Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a Touch Me Janet Rocky, Brad, Frank, Magenta, Riff Raff, Columbia Rocky's birth tank in the lab Eddie (Eddie's Teddy) Dr. Scott, Columbia Full cast The dining room in the castle, Columbia's bedroom Planet Schmanet Janet Frank-N-Furter Riff-Raff, Magenta, Brad, Janet, Dr. Scott Stairway and corridors of the castle then back to the lab Rose Tint My World Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet N/A Floor show stage Don't Dream It, Be It Frank-N-Furter Brad, Janet, Columbia, Rocky, Dr. Scott Floor show pool Wild And Untamed Thing Frank-N-Furter, Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet Riff Raff Floor show stage I'm Going Home Frank-N-Furter Columbia, Rocky, Brad, Janet Floor show theater stage and aisle Superheroes (deleted scene/song in US release) Brad, Janet Criminologist Exterior of the castle and the criminologist's office Science Fiction/Double Feature (Reprise) Richard O'Brien (no character) N/A Ending credits Review We-e-e-elcome to the Late Night Double Feature Picture Show! This Cult-Classic mixes elements of "Bride of Frankenstein" with "Forbidden Planet", "The Day The Earth Stood Still" and other classic Horror Flicks. This is a brilliantly conceived original, unsurpassed by any similar effort. The heroes, a newly engaged young couple, are stranded with car trouble on a rainy night, looking to use the phone at the "Frankenfurter Mansion". They are in for a turbulent ride! There are some great song & dance numbers here, most noteworthy the "Time Warp" and the numbers involving "Eddie" (played by a then unknown Meatloaf). Tim Curry is delicious as the bisexual satyr-like Frankenfurter, who sees his young visitors as fair game for seduction. The action is fast paced with one thrill after another. It's quite understandable that some fans have watched this film every Saturday at Midnight for the past 30 years. Get a bag of rice, toast, a squirt-gun, surgical gloves, etc, and have yourself a Rocky Horror Picture Show Party! Everyone definitely needs to see this live to get the best experience of the movie. Discuss. -----signature----- Chief of Staff - The SWC Rebel Scum
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Zaz Title: Manager, The Ampitheatre Registered: Oct '98	Date Posted: 3/3 7:33am Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "Nashville" (1975)
	Nashville: I have no affinity for Altman, period. Rocky Picture: I lasted half an hour.
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Vortigern99 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 3/3 10:42am Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
	"Oh, Rocky!" Rocky Horror is a ridiculous, musical and madcap romp through time and transvestitism. An appreciation for the film depends on two factors: One's love of rock-musical theater, and one's familiarity with the iconic horror and sci-fi films of the 30s-60s. Lacking one of these factors is not necessarily prohibitive to enjoying the movie, but lacking both of them almost certainly is. Having an open mind about sexual mores and ethics also helps one have fun with the overtly liberal plotline! In order to get the full effect of the phenomenon as an audience member, one must attend a late-night, full-cast/full-costume screening replete with props (thrown rice, condoms, toilet paper, etc.) and obscene "call" lines (e.g., asking the Criminologist/narrator: "Where's your ******* neck?" or calling Janet a "SLUT!" everytime she appears onscreen). In order to get the full effect of the phenomenon as a participant, one must dress in garishly sexy clothing (preferably that of the opposite sex) and learn the songs and call-lines verbatim, so that anytime a song or bit of dialogue from the film comes up, one cannot help but sing/talk over it with the indescribably filthy (and sometimes hilariously funny) audience-participation lines. Playing in the cast is also an incredible blast, but requires months or even years of training and participation before becoming an expert in the role. How do I know all this? I played Dr. Frank N. Furter for five years in the LONGEST CONTINUING RUNNING ROCKY HORROR IN THE WORLD -- Austin, Texas. -----signature----- "I knew from the beginning I was not doing science fiction. I was doing a space opera, a fantasy film, a mythological piece, a fairy tale."--George Lucas My "Vader's Origins" thread: http://boards.theforce.net/Classic_Trilogy/b10002/8708417/p1
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Thrawn1786 Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 3/3 10:56am Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
	Oh, man. This movie used to freak me out when I was much younger(wouldn't YOU be a little disturbed by some of it if you're just a kid?) but now I like it. Have yet to see the whole thing, but what parts I have seen I like. Interesting side-note: the recent Broadway revival had a participation kit for the audience to use, much like what people bring to midnight showings of the film. -----signature----- e-sibs: Rabe, padawanlissa, Elfie, CW, DG, Kahn, Trimaj, MGA, prj1, SWF444, Swan, Allegra Minister of Internal Affairs, EUC Senate
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LilyHobbitJedi Title: Apples to Apples and 20 Questions hostess Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 3/3 1:19pm Subject: RE: The Movie Musicals Thread: Now Dis. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
	I just saw Rocky Horror Picture Show for the very first time last Halloween. While I found it disturbing on so many levels, the music was entertaining enough. -----signature----- Proud Master to eboneya & Alassë Eärfalas! Everybody Lies- House/SW Crossover! http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28032689/r28039379/ A Light In The Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b1047
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