Rent Movie Script/Spike Lee

[Akitarent]

Posted: 12/20/17 at 11:39pm

This is something that has been bothering me with some time and someone here may know the answer. Short and simple: Was there a Spike Lee version of RENT that was leaked online years ago?

Before Chris Columbus was attached, there was a pretty big push from Spike Lee to direct. He was looking at everyone and anyone for the parts (I remember Miss Brazil, Justin Timberlake, OBC).  I do know from some RENT cast members, at least one had a quick meeting with him or someone associated about the vision of the show.  I think either he decided not to direct or I heard something like New Line decided to drop the option.  Also back in the day, I heard Rob Marshall was asked if he'd rather direct Chicago or Rent and he of course choose Chicago. 

I remember way back hearing bits and pieces about Spike Lee's proposed script and making this a very gritty film.  For years, I swore I had a copy or pieces of the draft, but all I can find is the Stephen Chbosky version of the Rent script floating around.

If anyone know if there is a Spike Lee version out there or if they recall what he wanted to do with the piece, I'd be very interested in hearing. 

[Alex Kulak2]

Posted: 12/21/17 at 12:02am

If you want a gritty version of the Rent movie, I'll doubt you'll find that in the movies script, whether it's by Chbosky or Lee. Most of the grit would come from the visual style, because Rent is a story about AIDS stricken bohemian artists in downtown New York, and Chris Columbus directs children's movies. If you want a gritty filmed Rent, just watch the final Broadway production.

[Akitarent]

Posted: 12/21/17 at 12:57am

Exactly but that was all in script as well . Many I am thinking of the Chbosky 2000 draft?

Interior Club:
Take Me or Leave Me takes place in a club and starts off with Joanne telling Mark there's nothing she can do because he signed the contract.  Maureen rolls her eyes at them and starts looking at a guy who is checking her out. 

Maureen:
And how f****d up is it for you to keep helping my ex-boyfriend?  

Joanne:
He needed a lawyer.  I figured I could help out since you almost got the evicted. 

<Maureen stands up and roars>>

Maureen:
That's It's Miss Ivy League!

(Maureen begins to singing along with the instrumental tune Roger and the other musicians at the club are jamming.  It's sexy and coy)

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 12/22/17 at 1:21am

The early Chbosky draft was what Lee was attached to direct, and was ultimately scuttled due to budget disagreements. When people talk about the possible Spike Lee version, they are essentially talking about Chbosky's first draft from 2000.

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 11:03pm

To answer the OP, I did read what was supposed to be that draft. It was discussed here at the time and i think I got the link to it as i printed it out and read it. On paper it was lightyears better than what ended up on film.

I was hunting the thread down as there is a discussion going on in another thread about RENT.