It matters not a toss who we think should be in this proposed movie[that's why it is so much fun]-if it's going to be made there will be so few general public who will want to see this,no matter what 'big star' is in it--even Hugh Jackman won't/couldn't save Les Mis.
Les Miz is a musical, yes, but it's also an 18th-century classic novel. When was the last time one of those adaptations made $200 million at the box office?
Into the Woods has a much better chance of success, depending on the way it's produced, because the subject matter is very popular right now. In order to make it work for movie audiences, they'll have to spend some money on it, though. The art direction, costumes, and special effects will have to be first-rate.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Part of the genius of the show for me has always been the splendid mix of the silly--"How uneasy I feel"--and the truly sublime. I don't think of Hollywood as having a lot of patience with subtlety and nuance when crafting 'blockbusters'. I would hate to see 'Into the Woods' filmed as a cartoon-ish romp OR strictly as a heavy-handed morality tale.
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision...
I actually disagree, particularly with the Paramount/Marvel superhero films of the past few years. I think they mix "blockbuster" with subtle and sublime moments. I've been re-watching them these past few days (Iron Man 1 & 2, Captain America, Thor, The Avengers), and I think they strike a pretty wonderful balance of "epic" with "small moments" that are both very well done.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
I'll confess to being the worst kind of Hollywood critic. My skepticisim is based on an infinitesimally small sample--I rarely consume blockbuster movies. Of the films on your list, I've seen only 'Avengers'--which I enjoyed, largely because it DID hold more than one kind of emotion in balance. Understanding the need to address both the macro and the micro is one of Joss Whedon's great gifts.
I surely hope you're right B12B. Nothing would make me happier than to be able to enjoy a really satisfying interpretation of one of my Core Shows.
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision...
Forget CZJ, and the fact she can actually sing! Keep Helena Bonham Carter far, far away from this! Sweeney Todd anyone? she sucked all the fun out of Lovett! Pretty much anyone could've done a better job!
I've often wondered if it was Tim Burton that actually sucked the fun out of Mrs. Lovett. I've seen Helena in tons of things and she can be as big and brassy as anyone. She must have impressed Sondheim enough, too, cause he signed off on her over some pretty talented women who auditioned (Bernadette Peters, Toni Collette, etc.). I feel like Burton sucked a good majority of the humor out of the movie and made Helena whisper every damn line for no reason. I didn't get that. I think she said it wasn't a very good experience on the set. Maybe she called him out on his ideas?
Anyway, as for Into the Woods, I'd be fine with Meryl. She's not ideal, but she'll do. The Witch is the star role for some reason and she'll fill the requirement. I'd prefer Charlize Theron or Michelle Pfeiffer, but what are you gonna do?
I was thinking Helena Bonham Carter for the role of the headstrong, young English girl from a good family who is determined to do things her own way and--though she learns valuable lessons about the importance of family and friends along the way--triumphs in the end.
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision...
The thing about Charlize Theron, Bette Midler, Angelina Jolie, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep is that they have played (or are about to in the case of Jolie) witch types in iconic movies/roles. I'd love for Marshall to bring in someone who can offer their own take on the role, someone who can bring a fresh take on the part rather than pulling from bag of tricks that have been used before to what might end up being much more successful effect. I adore Catherine Zeta Jones' acting in CHICAGO and find her singing voice in that film to be spectacular (sweetened vocals or not, who cares?), Velma is a villain but not a Witch, I'd love to see her tackle the Witch in this film. Someone who'd never ever get cast in a million years but who'd have a hell of a time with the part is Isabella Rosellini. Also, can we just have the cast that was supposed to be back in the 90s? Cher must play the Witch, she just has to.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
What is wrong with Marshall? I keep reading sarky, negativity against him.
Jennifer Hudson as the witch? This happens every time people begin with the "who will be cast" thing, they go for the most painfully obvious, mostly those who've already done a movie musical. How about looking at others who haven't? The same tiny pool of names are always mentioned.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
"What is wrong with Marshall? I keep reading sarky, negativity against him."
Personally, I just find him very mediocre. He *always* (IMHO) makes a beautiful stage picture, but if there's any substance under that image, you can bet your bottom dollar it's not due to any craft or smarts on Marshall's part.
The problem is that Marshall is on record saying that he does not think movie musicals work unless the songs are all imagined by a character like in CHICAGO or NINE. He doesn't believe in lettin a character just sing, it has to be some sort of a "dream sequence" and THAT is the problem. That, and NINE was one of the worst musicals of all time and that SH*T on one of the great musicals of all time.
I feel like, with vocal training, Kate Hudson could be an interesting Witch. I also think that there is no way that Logan Lerman and Anna Kendrick cannot play Jack and Cinderella. And Sarah Hyland for Little Red!
"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop