|
|
|
|
|
After receiving a few emails on the topic of my "glowing" review of RENT (below), I must clarify. I enjoyed the movie. I feel a deep connection to several of the characters and I was pleased that this connection withstood the often-difficult transfer from stage to screen.
However, I can't deny there was some over-acting, nor was I pleased that a few key songs were omitted. I can see why Columbus would leave out unessential songs like "Contact," but "Goodbye Love" and "Halloween" should have been preserved. The minor plot details that were changed led to their omission, but those plot changes made little sense to me. And I still can't find any acceptable explanation for setting it in 1989, especially when there were so many anachronisms. Note to filmmakers: if you're going to set a piece during a period of history that's years past, make sure you don't have 2000-era cars in your shots or a mural of Celia Cruz that was painted after her death in 2003 (this was actually seen more than once in the film!).
It's hard not to wonder how the film would have turned out at the hands of another director, perhaps one better suited to focusing on the dramatic elements of a story and its characters. How would it change? I wish I could see a "sample" of what Baz Luhrmann or Sam Mendes (both attached to the project early on) might have done with the material.
I have to say, the emotional connection I felt with the characters in the stage version suffered only slightly when reintroduced to them on film. But, as I said before, I enjoyed being able to see facial expressions and interactions closer up and thus, appreciated what the film does for the story that the stage version couldn't.
I believe those who haven't seen the stage version will have a completely different experience with the film, even if they're familiar with the music. I can't say how well you might connect with the characters had you not "met" them prior to seeing the movie. Either way, it's hard not to be moved by the story, even while wanting to bitch-slap some of the characters at various moments and rolling my eyes at others. It's all part of the grand, frequently over-the-top magic of drama.
P.S. I can't believe I've spent so much time talking about this.
P.P.S. I still lust after Jesse Martin.