NINE - "Unusual Way"

E.Davis Profile Photo
E.Davis
#25re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:24pm

I completely agree with you, people do not read posts in their entirety. On the other hand i agree with choice of lowering the key for the movie because yes, if you listen to Benanti's version Yeston is right...the lyrics get lost


"I think lying to children is really important, it sets them off on the right track" -Sherie Rene Scott-

Michael Bennett Profile Photo
Michael Bennett
#26re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:28pm

The one thing I think is interesting - and this is a comment directed more towards the folk at ATC who are complaining about the overall quality of the voices of the actors in the film (they of course hate everyone because they aren't Broadway actors) -- is that the original cast recording of NINE features some of the most erratic singing ever in a major Tony Award winning musical.

Tommy Tune assembled a wonderful erray of eclectic personalities for Broadway: but singers like Raul Julia, Karen Akers, Liliane Montevecci, Shelly Burch etc are actors with 'questionable' voices - certainly singing voices that are if anything an acquired taste or open to debate.

Ditto the revival, which I loved in the theatre but which I have a hard time listening to on recording (Banderas and Krakowski's accents just kill it for me).

So, for me, even with out having the Broadway 'luster' I do find the soundtrack really rewarding in its honesty and simplicity of performance.

I am saying that mind you based on experiencing the vocals in the film as I watched it. I haven't heard the complete soundtrack on its own yet.
Updated On: 11/30/09 at 01:28 PM

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#27re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:30pm

I have no problem understanding Benanti or for that matter the amazing Shelly Burch in the OBC recording. This excuse of not understanding the lyrics in their original key is so much boulderdash. If that was the case from the beginning why create the song in that key to begin with. Why wasn't it lowered before if there was an "interpretation" problem in the key originally written.

If there is a version of Kidman singing the song in it's original key I would love to hear it. Maybe it was HER interpretation of the song in it's original key that was unintelligible because honestly I have never had any problem understanding what was being sung by either Burch or Benanti.

Michael Bennett Profile Photo
Michael Bennett
#28re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:33pm

Marquise - I've definitely had issues understanding some of the lyrics of the song in those interpretations, but that aside, I think the scene that leads up to the musical moment in the film is incredibly intimate - it feels more vulnerable to me than it did on stage. Its just not the right moment for a big soprano aria in the context of the movie so I do understand the choice.

I actually could make the arguement that they might have been better writing a completely different song for the moment, but obviously Marshall would have been put on the chopping block for cutting what is the closest thing to a standard in the score.

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#29re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:38pm

I don't have a problem with the song being lowered. I just find her interpretation lacking. She's not really a good singer at all and I think she knows it from the looks of that Oprah interview.

E.Davis Profile Photo
E.Davis
#30re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:40pm

Wait do any of you two have the full leaked Soundtrack, if so could you PM it to me?


"I think lying to children is really important, it sets them off on the right track" -Sherie Rene Scott-

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#31re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:43pm

I don't do copyright infringement. Someone I know was downloading films and music from the internet and guess what? He was sued to the tune of $20,000. He had o settle out of court for around $5,000. Clearly not worth it.

SporkGoddess
#32re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:44pm

I just watched the clip and agree that the vocals are just too weak.


Jimmy, what are you doing here in the middle of the night? It's almost 9 PM!

E.Davis Profile Photo
E.Davis
#33re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:45pm

It was worth a try, but thank you.

Marquise, do you have a problem with any of the other songs in the movie and the changes that were made?


"I think lying to children is really important, it sets them off on the right track" -Sherie Rene Scott-

E.Davis Profile Photo
E.Davis
#34re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:46pm

It was worth a try, but thank you.

Marquise, do you have a problem with any of the other songs in the movie and the changes that were made?


"I think lying to children is really important, it sets them off on the right track" -Sherie Rene Scott-

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#35re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 1:54pm

No. I don't have a problem with the songs I've heard that were retained. I think Marion Cotillard does a beautiful job with her material and visually she is just so beautiful to look at she exudes this Audrey Hepburnesque quality that I find very, very appealing.

Penelopé Cruz really won me over with her CALL FROM THE VATICAN.

Kate Hudson was the big surprise for me here. Her CINEMA ITALIANO is just amazing and it is my favorite song in the film. I am so looking forward to seeing the number in it's entirety.

Fergie's BE ITALIAN is a close second as my favorite song in the film. Her vocals are outstanding. Her version in my opinion blows all of her predecessors out of the water. Hers will go down as pretty damn near definitive. Her delivery is just son damn good on the song. Another number I cannot wait to see in it's entirety.

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MrMidwest
#36re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 4:42pm

I haven't heard all of Cruz's Vatican, but what I heard sounded a little auto-tune-y. It kind of makes me wish they'd hired Brittany Murphy. Maybe the full version will change my mind.


"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter

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Pgenre
#37re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 4:55pm

Considering Brittany Murphy was just fired from the film she is shooting in Spain for being impossible to work with, maybe it's for the best that she WASN'T in this.

I always thought she'd make a great Sally Bowles, particularly after I heard her sing at the VMAs a million years ago.

That being said, she doesn't belong with this cast.

If you like Murphy, please be sure to check out the quite good indie THE DEAD GIRL which has amazing performances from her, Toni Collette, Piper Laurie and Marcia Gay Harden among others.

P

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MrMidwest
#38re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:02pm

"That being said, she doesn't belong with this cast."

A lot of people feel the same way about Hudson and Fergie, though I don't.


"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter

Pgenre Profile Photo
Pgenre
#39re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:09pm

Yeah, but they play a bimbo and a whore, respectively, so it's not like they're doing a film of Elizabeth II with Judi playing the maid and Kidman as the wetnurse with Hudson and Fergie in the leads, u know?

And for whatever it's worth, Hudson is the biggest star of the bunch as far as American box office is concerned. Sad but true.

P

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#40re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:15pm

Why is that sad? Why is considering Kate Hudson the biggest box office draw sad? Maybe they should have given Unusual Way to her and had her play Claudia and maybe that song wouldn't be so cringe worthy.

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MrMidwest
#41re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:16pm

Most people might not think of her as having the class of a Nicole Kidman, but Brittany is a pretty solid actress. I doubt Scarlett Johanssen will get the same kind of reviews that she did for A View from the Bridge.


"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter

Pgenre Profile Photo
Pgenre
#42re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:22pm

"Why is that sad? Why is considering Kate Hudson the biggest box office draw sad?"

Umm, because she is in a cast with Judi Dench and Sophia Loren, perhaps, actresses who have displayed much more breadth of talent than she ever has? And Penelope Cruz and Daniel Day Lewis, Oscar-winners for two of the most memorable film characters and performances of the last decade? And Nicole Kidman, once the biggest actress in the world and still one of the most recognized? Kate Hudson's MOTHER isn't even in that league. You can hate Kidman all you want, but that's how it is.

Speaking of which, you need to get over Nicole's "Unusual Way" if you expect to ever enjoy the film. It's done. That's the way it is and always will be whether you like or not. Call it Uma in THE PRODUCERS or Jennifer Hudson in DREAMGIRLS but that is what you have whether you like it or not.

P
Updated On: 11/30/09 at 05:22 PM

JP2 Profile Photo
JP2
#43re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:29pm

"Jennifer Hudson in DREAMGIRLS"

WAAAAAH?

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#44re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:48pm

Listen pgenre I don't have to "get over" anything. Yes it is over and that's what it is whether I like it or not. True. And I DON'T LIKE IT whether YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. I have a right to my opinion. I'm not asking for your approval on my opinion. YOU are not the ultimate authority on NINE. So get OVER YOURSELF. Just because I'm not ejaculating all over myself for this film like you are doesn't make my opinion any less than yours.
Updated On: 11/30/09 at 05:48 PM

spiderdj82 Profile Photo
spiderdj82
#45re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 5:56pm

"Speaking of which, you need to get over Nicole's "Unusual Way" if you expect to ever enjoy the film."

Not liking how one song turned out is not going to destroy any liking of the film. I wasn't a big fan of Renee's singing in CHICAGO but I still loved the movie.


"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#46re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 6:00pm

Thank you spidey. Pgenre is to busy ejaculating all over himself for love of NINE to get that.

JP2 Profile Photo
JP2
#47re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 6:09pm

"Not liking how one song turned out is not going to destroy any liking of the film. I wasn't a big fan of Renee's singing in CHICAGO but I still loved the movie. "

I don't like her singing, acting, or appearance. But, I love that movie.

Michael Bennett Profile Photo
Michael Bennett
#48re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 6:20pm

I think probably the only other actor whose star presence (and innate aloof mystery) would have equalled Kidman's is either Angelina Jolie or Cate Blanchet. And who knows vocally if either of them could have done any better. I do appreciate the casting of Kidman in the context of watching the film. She brings an old Hollywood glamour and wow factor that is palpable upon her entrance. So perhaps some of you who don't like her singing will still be able to appreciate why she was cast when you see it.

To that end - though not quite the topic at hand - for those of you who have never seen (or like I had not seen in a long time) the original Fellini movie, 8 1/2, I really recommend watching it before you go see NINE.

Not only is it just a brilliant masterpiece of surrealistic film making, you will have a new appreciation for the imagination the creative team took in attempting it as a stage musical and a greater depth as to why certain changes were made for this film.

And, I must say, I wish either the stage musical or the this movie had attempted to musicalize the fabulous scene in 8 1/2 in which Guido fantasizes Luisa and all the women in his world living together in one house. Now that is musical comedy.
Updated On: 11/30/09 at 06:20 PM

Marquise Profile Photo
Marquise
#49re: NINE - 'Unusual Way'
Posted: 11/30/09 at 6:33pm

Fellini's 8 1/2 is one of my all time favorite films. I have the Criterion Collection Edition. It was responsible for my love for all things Italian. Mastroianni is one of my favorite actors. The film was also responsible for my love of the beautiful Claudia Cardinale.