RENT is a musical that truly speaks to me, as its three themes are a major part of my life. I am gay, I have AIDS, and I have been homeless and living on the street. Having seen the stage production three times, and hearing the pre-release buzz about what was being changed not to mention the critics' scathing reviews I was totally prepared to hate the movie version of "RENT." But I decided to give it a chance, and at least try to like it. Instead, I loved it.
Moving the opening number of Act II to the beginning of the film as a backdrop for the opening credits worked well, and the reprisal of the song throughout the film helps tie the story together. Strong performances from the original cast show that they are capable of transposing their talents from the stage to the screen, something not all actors can do.
Director Chris Columbus kept his alterations to a minimum. Some lyrics are tweaked to fit minor changes in the storyline (in the stage show, Act I takes place in a single night, while the movie stretches it out over three or four days, requiring some subtle lyrical alterations). Songs that were converted to dialog scenes were appropriate, as their lyrics were more dialog-oriented anyway. It doesn't even register that once or twice someone speaks in rhyme.
Yes, the story is a little dated, but this is after all the chronicle of another time. Columbus even admits this himself, with a shot of the New York skyline where the twin towers of the World Trade Center still stand. But he captures the angst and emotion of the times well. For instance, back then, AZT was the only drug available. Still, one historical goof makes it into the script: in her performance protest, Maureen makes a reference to a "yellow rental truck packed with fertilizer and fuel oil," clearly a reference to the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building. Mark's opening narration establishes that it is December 1989, four and a half years before that event took place. But the anachronism is easily overlooked.
Film gives the story freedom to play itself out against more visual backdrops than the stage version did, enhancing the production in many ways. One song from the stage show I never particularly cared for, "Santa Fe," works very well as the ensemble sings it on a subway train, getting the passengers in on it. And Collins' reprise of "I'll Cover You" sung at Angel's funeral could produce tears from a block of stone.
The critics be damned. "RENT" is a masterpiece. Somewhere in the great beyond, Jonathan Larson is smiling.
Moving the opening number of Act II to the beginning of the film as a backdrop for the opening credits worked well, and the reprisal of the song throughout the film helps tie the story together. Strong performances from the original cast show that they are capable of transposing their talents from the stage to the screen, something not all actors can do.
Director Chris Columbus kept his alterations to a minimum. Some lyrics are tweaked to fit minor changes in the storyline (in the stage show, Act I takes place in a single night, while the movie stretches it out over three or four days, requiring some subtle lyrical alterations). Songs that were converted to dialog scenes were appropriate, as their lyrics were more dialog-oriented anyway. It doesn't even register that once or twice someone speaks in rhyme.
Yes, the story is a little dated, but this is after all the chronicle of another time. Columbus even admits this himself, with a shot of the New York skyline where the twin towers of the World Trade Center still stand. But he captures the angst and emotion of the times well. For instance, back then, AZT was the only drug available. Still, one historical goof makes it into the script: in her performance protest, Maureen makes a reference to a "yellow rental truck packed with fertilizer and fuel oil," clearly a reference to the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building. Mark's opening narration establishes that it is December 1989, four and a half years before that event took place. But the anachronism is easily overlooked.
Film gives the story freedom to play itself out against more visual backdrops than the stage version did, enhancing the production in many ways. One song from the stage show I never particularly cared for, "Santa Fe," works very well as the ensemble sings it on a subway train, getting the passengers in on it. And Collins' reprise of "I'll Cover You" sung at Angel's funeral could produce tears from a block of stone.
The critics be damned. "RENT" is a masterpiece. Somewhere in the great beyond, Jonathan Larson is smiling.
Tell Your Friends