Chicago is an adaptation of the hit stage play of the same name. A stage play that I've seen and enjoyed (I think I did an op on it) despite having reservations as I'd never seeing a musical on stage before. I had reservations about the film version for different reasons - a) I'd seen the stage play so what was the point in watching the film version and b) I'm not a big fan of Catherine Zeta Jones and I'm not a fan at all of Richard Gere. However, my girlfriend couldn't wait to see it so off to the cinema we went.
The film starts with Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), one half of the singing duo, The Kelly Sisters performing on stage at a seedy Chicago night-club. She's late and has to wash blood off her hands before going on stage, alone. She's watched in awe by Roxy Hart (Renee Z), wannabe singer who is about to go back to her apartment with her sleazy boyfriend behind her husband's back. By the end of the scene, Velma has belted out "All that jazz" and been arrested and Roxy has been promised the earth (and a singing career) from her boyfriend.
A few weeks later and Velma's in prison while Roxy finds out that her boyfriend is not what she thought he was so she
fatally shoots him. The excellent John C Reilly playing Roxy's none-to-clever husband agrees to take the wrap thinking that Roxy's secret lover was really a burglar. Unfortunately for Rozy, the truth comes out in a song and she ends up in sing, sing (I'll not do anymore puns, honest).
At first Roxy finds prison tough and she is shun by Velma who is also doing time there. Fortunately there is someone to help her (for a price), Mama (Queen Lafitah). She offers to put Roxy in touch with the greatest defence lawyer in all of Chicago; a man who has never lost a case; a man who for $5,000 will make sure that his client will not only get away with murder but become a star in the process, Billy Flynn (Richard Gere).
Billy finds Roxy to be a dream client as the press easily fall for his “bending” of the truth and Roxy’s looks and charm. Everyone get manipulated as Roxy does everything possible to escape the death penalty and more importantly stay on the front page.
As I said at the top of the review, I’ve seen and enjoyed the stage play but wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the film version but I did, quite a lot in fact but came away thinking it could have been better. Firstly, the story, which obviously remains faithful to the stage play, is a good ‘un and parallels can be drawn between the story and today’s celebrity hungry media. Its well paced and amusing in places although my interpretation of the ending of the stage play differed from what was presented on the film (although my girlfriend thought it was accurate and its only a minor point). All the main songs are in there and, why it has been said that there is a lack of truly memorable songs in the story, I bet at least a couple will be running around your head for a while.
As for the people singing them, well…… it is all good stuff. Catherine Zeta Jones is excellent both acting and singing as Velma in easily one of her best roles on the screen, the supporting cast such as John C Rielly, Queen Lafitah, etc are all excellent. The real standout is suprisingly, Richard Gere. Clearly enjoying his role as a sleazy lawyer, Gere steals every scene he is in, has the best looking songs and is just damn good. My opinion of him has gone up ten-fold. The only disappointment, which is probably much to harsh a word, is Rene who is good as usual but shadows slightly behind the other two leads who have really raised their game.
Now the negative: everyone may not agree with me on this but I felt the direction of the film was lacking at times. It’s not a musical that needs the razzle dazzle of Moulin Rouge but at times Chicago feels like the camera has just been pointed at the stage play and the usual actors replaced with stars. Director, Rob Marshall stages nearly every stars initial song on a stage, usually intercut very well with the story but it is just someone singing on a stage. In my mind, I don’t need to be introduced to the stars singing abilities. You would except that in a big budget musical then there would be no way that Richard, Catherine or Rene would come out screeching like a cat. Sometimes the musical numbers are spectacular or use the magic of film to do more than would be possible on the stage (mainly in Richard Gere’s numbers) but other times it is just one or more of the actors on stage singing and I found myself wishing or even expecting something more would happen. When John C Rielly sings Mr Cellophane I was expecting him to disappear.
For most people this may be a small point but for my money if you adapt something for a different medium then that medium should be used to not necessarily make it better but do things that couldn’t otherwise be done (more detail in books, more effects in movies, etc). In the end, Chicago is a very good film but if you’ve seen the stage play then expect another version of the stage play but with A-list actors. If you’ve not seen the stage play then be prepared for a treat but if you’re not a lover of musicals then this probably won’t convert you. It’s a damn good film but lacking a little bit of razzle dazzle.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Music / Performing Arts, Comedy - Director: Trevor Nunn, Geoffrey Posner - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, Parental Guidance - Starring: Duncan Preston, Celia Imrie, Julie Walters, Victoria Wood, Jim Broadbent
Quite agree - the stage show is far better than this!
C :)
Kimea 03.03.2003 12:14
Very good op :o)
bwanamdevu 03.03.2003 09:15
Now I thought that this was a musical! I`ve not seen it but you`ve put it in the "action and adventure" category.Which is correct? Good opinion but lacking. Paul.
Mar 3rd, 2003
very helpful by (90%):
helpful by (10%):
