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IMDBRefugee1SD (139)
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Stage vs Film vs Film-Song Order
Annie Hathaway Some More Details
The "Problem" With Film Musicals
Tim Palen
The Finale
Godspell Misconceptions
Did You Notice
Cabaret: Orig. Stage vs Film
Favorite Scenes
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West Side Story is an urban fairy tale. It's not meant as a realistic view of gang life. As such I like the more stylised
approach.
My favorites are "Tonight" duet and ensemble versions. And "Somewhere". I love Rita Moreno, but giving her the song was
an unfortunate change.
Tony Kushner is a great writer, but no doubt under his influence, Spielberg was talked into this unnecessary addition.
And since one of the themes of West Side Story is that despite their cultural differences the Jets And Sharks are
alike, The added focus on the Sharks upsets this balance. Racism is a theme of the piece, but is sufficiently addressed
in the song "America". Another change that was ill advised is giving the song "Somewhere" to Anita. It broadens the focus
to the gangs, but I much prefer the song as a duet between Tony and Maria who are the main focus of the show.
For most people the whole idea of demon possession is deeply disturbing. And it's presented in a realistic manner.
There is plenty of atmosphere. The words and actions of the possessed Regan were and still are shocking. There
were various reactions to the tension in the film, including nervous laughter. Although Blatty
and Friedkin attempted to attach religious significance to the story much of the popularity of
the film was due to the shock value.
Robert Altman's "The Player" satirizes this and many other Hollywood excesses.
It's not explicit, but it is suggested.
The Shining.
This was all part of Hooper's realistic approach to the musical.
The books and films have been Katniss story. And that is finished. So I've been against prequels.
But they are setting it far enough in the past that we can look at it as a completely new story
set in the world of Panem. So I'll give it a chance and hope for the best.
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