If you follow me on Twitter, perhaps you saw the conversation between Andrew and I about our next trip down Oscar Memory Lane: the year 1993. That is, the year Steven Spielberg finally got his Oscar, for a film AFI twice considered to be among the Ten Greatest Films of All Time, and a Best Picture winner that even Nick Davis had to call "For the Ages". And I've never even seen Schindler's List! I'm saving it to be among the last I see, both to savor it, and because, who's in a hurry to watch a Holocaust film?
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ Superstar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ Superstar. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
The 1973 Hollmann Awards: Part Two!
And, finally, after much waiting, the conclusion of my 1973 Hollmann Awards! Once again, all categories are presented in the exact order of the original Oscar Ceremony, held on April 2, 1974. There's only one category here not awarded by Oscar: Ensemble, awarded to the casting director, and here in place of the Honorary Oscar awarded to Groucho Marx.
Winners are encased in Gold. And now, with no more ado.....
Winners are encased in Gold. And now, with no more ado.....
Monday, June 3, 2013
The 1973 Hollmann Awards (Part One)
Five days late, or thereabouts at least, but here we are: the 1973 Hollmann Awards in 2013, Part One!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Neatly Arranged: Adapted Score, 1973
Adapted Score has not been awarded since the 80s, though it still remains an official category -- just tweaked a little.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Casting Coup: Jesus Christ Superstar
Sorry for the delay. It's been a busy couple of weeks.
Picture it: Easter Sunday, 2009. Friends are gathered at mi casa to celebrate, but not too many. In fact, it's just two, plus me and my roommate. That's the whole group. Anyway, friends are gathered to celebrate, but no one really has a huge relationship with Jesus, what with none of us going to church and most of us either agnostic or not following in an already-identified-for-us faith. So what could we do?
Interestingly enough, we turned to what I consider to be the greatest telling of the life of Jesus: the 1972 classic Jesus Christ Superstar.
It is, perhaps, the greatest musical ever made. It is the only film, I think, to really understand both the human and the divine of Jesus. The importance of Palm Sunday has never been so much clearer than in the "Hosanna" number. Yvonne Elliman's Mary Magdalene is the most layered portrayal of the famous lady. And, of course, location, location, location: all filming was actually done in the desert, in Israel ("Herod's Song" is even performed at the Dead Sea).
While watching the movie, I was soon reminded of two things: one, the TV version PBS did, which re-imagined the setting as a sort of police state in the near future. Or something. Two, a third version is apparently in the works, according to a 2008 interview with Marc Platt, producer of Legally Blonde and Wanted.
The challenge, of course, is getting everyone to see it. There are people who remain "shy" towards musicals (I don't believe anyone hates musicals, since that would render mix tapes and playlists nonexistent). And how does one get the masses to see an all-singing, all-dancing, all-Jesus spectacular?
May I make some suggestions, casting-wise?
PETER
Who is He: The second famousest of the apostles, Peter was always ready to kick ass for the Lord. But he was also human, meaning he had doubts, and when the chips were down, Peter choked. And by choked, I mean denied. That is, knowing Jesus.
My Choice:
Kevin Richardson of The Backstreet Boys
Kevin, the best Backstreet Boy, has proven his talents onstage in both West End and Broadway productions of Chicago, where he played Billy Flynn. He's a face people can recognize, and he wants to prove himself as an actor. And could there be a more challenging role than Peter? I mean, other than Jesus and Judas and Mary and Pilate?
SIMON ZEALOTES
Who is He: Awesome. A follower of Christ who wants a revolution.
My Choice:
Justin Timberlake (Black Snake Moan, Southland Tales)
Timberlake is a guaranteed draw. He's a marvelous crowdpleaser, a pretty fine actor, and -- most importantly -- he's just an amazing talent. He sings, he dances, he emotes while doing both. What more could I ask for?
ANNAS
Who is He: A high priest, possible acting president of the Sanhedrin (the judges appointed over every city in Israel), who conspires with Caiaphas to end Jesus' influence.
My Choice:
Roger Bart (The Stepford Wives, Hercules)
And this is how we draw in the Broadway crowd. There is a little cult of people that are willing to see anything Roger Bart is in, especially if partnered with the man I have as Caiaphas.
CAIAPHAS
Who is He: The High Priest who does not care for this Jesus chap.
My Choice:
Michael Cerveris (Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever, the upcoming Cirque du Freak)
God, does anyone else here think he could act/sing the HELL out of this role? Cerveris is another Broadway talent, so the pairing with Bart would be cool. Broadway babes as high priests? Luv it!
PONTIUS PILATE
Who is He: The Roman governor who tried Jesus and eventually ordered his crucifixion, albeit reluctantly.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Original Song (The Emperor's New Groove, Kate & Leopold, Cold Mountain)
Sting (The Bride, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen)
By now you should realize that my idea here is to get known, established music stars and put them in a rock opera. Obviously, their own involvement with the rock genre (I know, boy bands are pop, but shut up). Sting here is one of the undisputed rock gods, like Bruce Springsteen or Alice Cooper or Louis Armstrong. He is also an experienced actor, having worked with Guy Richie, David Lynch, and Captain Planet.
KING HEROD
Who is He: The scene-stealer. Herod is the King of the Jews, known primarily for hard-partying. His number is The Big One, the Showstopper (besides "Superstar" of course), and so they always get someone big to play it. Victor Spinetti did it in the 20th Anniversary edition, while Broadway gave us Alice Cooper's take. So who could possibly measure up?
My Choice:
Ozzy Osbourne (Austin Powers in Goldmember, Trick or Treat)
So maybe the number is a little "lively" for what we're used to, but the lyrics themselves would be delivered fantastically by Ozzy. Picture it. You know I'm right.
MARY MAGDALENE
Who is She: The former prostitute who follows Jesus, she doesn't know how to love him. As a man? As a Messiah? Let her sing about it.
My Choice:
Christina Aguilera
Now, true, she hasn't done a movie. But something about her...I don't know. I feel that she has a face and a presence made for the screen. Add to that the impact her "dirrty" incarnation had on her image, and here we have someone more or less built to play Mary Magdalene. In this movie, at least. Besides, this is an all-singing film, and godDAMN this woman has a marvelous voice.
JUDAS ISCARIOT
Who is He: The betrayer. Judas sells Jesus to the Sanhedrin and Roman centurions for 30 pieces of silver. Later hangs himself. Spoiler alert! Interestingly, he is the protagonist of the tale, as the musical takes his uncertain point of view towards Christ.
My Choice:
Andre Benjamin (Four Brothers, Semi-Pro)
Good actor. I don't know what it is about rappers and acting, but the two tend to mix well, like ice cream and chocolate syrup. Good singer, too, who could probably sing the role of Judas just as well as he could play it. I mean, have you seen Idlewild? Great musical.
JESUS
Who is He: Well, that's just it. Is he the Messiah? Is he a prophet? Is he just a man? The debate continues today, but apparently the only thing we know for sure is that he had a damn good set of pipes on him.
My Choice:
Adam Pascal (The School of Rock, Rent)
He was one of the better actors in Rent. He looks good with long hair. He can sing the role. He's a big draw for Broadway devotees. And he's not so mainstream as to be distracting.
Picture it: Easter Sunday, 2009. Friends are gathered at mi casa to celebrate, but not too many. In fact, it's just two, plus me and my roommate. That's the whole group. Anyway, friends are gathered to celebrate, but no one really has a huge relationship with Jesus, what with none of us going to church and most of us either agnostic or not following in an already-identified-for-us faith. So what could we do?
Interestingly enough, we turned to what I consider to be the greatest telling of the life of Jesus: the 1972 classic Jesus Christ Superstar.
It is, perhaps, the greatest musical ever made. It is the only film, I think, to really understand both the human and the divine of Jesus. The importance of Palm Sunday has never been so much clearer than in the "Hosanna" number. Yvonne Elliman's Mary Magdalene is the most layered portrayal of the famous lady. And, of course, location, location, location: all filming was actually done in the desert, in Israel ("Herod's Song" is even performed at the Dead Sea).
While watching the movie, I was soon reminded of two things: one, the TV version PBS did, which re-imagined the setting as a sort of police state in the near future. Or something. Two, a third version is apparently in the works, according to a 2008 interview with Marc Platt, producer of Legally Blonde and Wanted.
The challenge, of course, is getting everyone to see it. There are people who remain "shy" towards musicals (I don't believe anyone hates musicals, since that would render mix tapes and playlists nonexistent). And how does one get the masses to see an all-singing, all-dancing, all-Jesus spectacular?
May I make some suggestions, casting-wise?
PETER
Who is He: The second famousest of the apostles, Peter was always ready to kick ass for the Lord. But he was also human, meaning he had doubts, and when the chips were down, Peter choked. And by choked, I mean denied. That is, knowing Jesus.
My Choice:
Kevin Richardson of The Backstreet Boys
Kevin, the best Backstreet Boy, has proven his talents onstage in both West End and Broadway productions of Chicago, where he played Billy Flynn. He's a face people can recognize, and he wants to prove himself as an actor. And could there be a more challenging role than Peter? I mean, other than Jesus and Judas and Mary and Pilate?
SIMON ZEALOTES
Who is He: Awesome. A follower of Christ who wants a revolution.
My Choice:
Justin Timberlake (Black Snake Moan, Southland Tales)
Timberlake is a guaranteed draw. He's a marvelous crowdpleaser, a pretty fine actor, and -- most importantly -- he's just an amazing talent. He sings, he dances, he emotes while doing both. What more could I ask for?
ANNAS
Who is He: A high priest, possible acting president of the Sanhedrin (the judges appointed over every city in Israel), who conspires with Caiaphas to end Jesus' influence.
My Choice:
Roger Bart (The Stepford Wives, Hercules)
And this is how we draw in the Broadway crowd. There is a little cult of people that are willing to see anything Roger Bart is in, especially if partnered with the man I have as Caiaphas.
CAIAPHAS
Who is He: The High Priest who does not care for this Jesus chap.
My Choice:
Michael Cerveris (Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever, the upcoming Cirque du Freak)
God, does anyone else here think he could act/sing the HELL out of this role? Cerveris is another Broadway talent, so the pairing with Bart would be cool. Broadway babes as high priests? Luv it!
PONTIUS PILATE
Who is He: The Roman governor who tried Jesus and eventually ordered his crucifixion, albeit reluctantly.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Original Song (The Emperor's New Groove, Kate & Leopold, Cold Mountain)
Sting (The Bride, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen)
By now you should realize that my idea here is to get known, established music stars and put them in a rock opera. Obviously, their own involvement with the rock genre (I know, boy bands are pop, but shut up). Sting here is one of the undisputed rock gods, like Bruce Springsteen or Alice Cooper or Louis Armstrong. He is also an experienced actor, having worked with Guy Richie, David Lynch, and Captain Planet.
KING HEROD
Who is He: The scene-stealer. Herod is the King of the Jews, known primarily for hard-partying. His number is The Big One, the Showstopper (besides "Superstar" of course), and so they always get someone big to play it. Victor Spinetti did it in the 20th Anniversary edition, while Broadway gave us Alice Cooper's take. So who could possibly measure up?
My Choice:
Ozzy Osbourne (Austin Powers in Goldmember, Trick or Treat)
So maybe the number is a little "lively" for what we're used to, but the lyrics themselves would be delivered fantastically by Ozzy. Picture it. You know I'm right.
MARY MAGDALENE
Who is She: The former prostitute who follows Jesus, she doesn't know how to love him. As a man? As a Messiah? Let her sing about it.
My Choice:
Christina Aguilera
Now, true, she hasn't done a movie. But something about her...I don't know. I feel that she has a face and a presence made for the screen. Add to that the impact her "dirrty" incarnation had on her image, and here we have someone more or less built to play Mary Magdalene. In this movie, at least. Besides, this is an all-singing film, and godDAMN this woman has a marvelous voice.
JUDAS ISCARIOT
Who is He: The betrayer. Judas sells Jesus to the Sanhedrin and Roman centurions for 30 pieces of silver. Later hangs himself. Spoiler alert! Interestingly, he is the protagonist of the tale, as the musical takes his uncertain point of view towards Christ.
My Choice:
Andre Benjamin (Four Brothers, Semi-Pro)
Good actor. I don't know what it is about rappers and acting, but the two tend to mix well, like ice cream and chocolate syrup. Good singer, too, who could probably sing the role of Judas just as well as he could play it. I mean, have you seen Idlewild? Great musical.
JESUS
Who is He: Well, that's just it. Is he the Messiah? Is he a prophet? Is he just a man? The debate continues today, but apparently the only thing we know for sure is that he had a damn good set of pipes on him.
My Choice:
Adam Pascal (The School of Rock, Rent)
He was one of the better actors in Rent. He looks good with long hair. He can sing the role. He's a big draw for Broadway devotees. And he's not so mainstream as to be distracting.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My Goodness, A Schedule???
I shan't do them now, but I've got a number of bees in my bonnet concerning upcoming Casting Coups. As in, the ones coming in May. So, be on the lookout for these wonderful little gems next month:
Clue
Soon to be remade as a drama, so I might as well, eh?
Jesus Christ Superstar
Same as above, except for the "drama" part.
The Phantom Tollbooth
Aw, I'm an old softie, it's true.
Clue
Soon to be remade as a drama, so I might as well, eh?
Jesus Christ Superstar
Same as above, except for the "drama" part.
The Phantom Tollbooth
Aw, I'm an old softie, it's true.
Monday, April 13, 2009
At The Opera Tonight!
Last night, I re-watched Jesus Christ Superstar, surely both the greatest movie about Jesus ever made (was Palm Sunday ever clearer than when they sing, "Hosanna, hey-sanna, sanna, sanna, ho"?) and the greatest rock opera, period. I love that movie. Every song is beautiful and amazing, and the performers are both great singers and surprisingly effective film actors. I love that Pilate, governor of the occupying Imperialists (Rome) is played by an Englishman -- genius, that. I love that Magdalene follows Jesus but is genuinely shocked she witnesses evidence of his Divinity. I love that King Herod is played by the principal from Billy Madison. It cannot get better than Jesus Christ Superstar, I'm telling you.
And then I saw Repo! The Genetic Opera. And wow. Just when you think you have seen the height of rock opera amazingness, something like this comes along.
Not pictured: Anything to do with the movie
Not that it makes sense. The story is so unclear and convoluted that they use comic book panels as interludes, as a means to explain everyone's backstory. Then they sing you the backstory. Then they remind you of everyone's motives, who they are, etc. And while they're busy setting things up, NOTHING HAPPENS.
No, no, that's not true. Lots of stuff happens, but nothing happens. People are disemboweled, faces are stitched onto other faces, eyes spout out holographic images of dead family members: the works, you know.
And it's all-singing, too. It's so...wow. WOW. I mean, some of these songs are actually incredible, and some of the actors (dare I say it?) do a good job. And then we're reminded that they're saying the same thing they sang about earlier -- not even in a different way, just using the same words -- and it's a nice reminder of how consistent Repo! is.
Consistently AWESOME.
Paris Hilton as a surgery-addicted throwaway character? HELL YES
Alexa Vega wearing the world's most obvious bald cap? DELIVER
Production values inspired, according to the filmmakers, by a weird marriage of Blade Runner and Rocky Horror? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA GIMME GIMME GIMME
Alexa Vega is now twenty? THANK YOU
And the gore. Oh, the gore. If they took as much time on writing songs and developing characters as they did on the blood and guts, than this would be The Sound of Music. Only with, you know, disembowelments. Which is, at least, one element it has that is sorely lacking in Busby Berkeley's stuff.
If there is anything more daring and original than Repo! anywhere in life, lead me to it. It is just mind-boggling that someone would write this. Hell, that someone would read the script and BEG FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECT IT. Mad. Ness.
I need to have a party for this movie. Several, in fact. It is just impossible that something like this could exist and not be shared with the public at large. Maybe I'll be Paul Sorvino's character for Halloween. Ooh, or the Graverobber!
Choices, choices...
Repo! won Worst Supporting Actress at the Razzies for Paris Hilton, which is unfair. Not only is she barely in the movie anyway, but she serves the material well. It's awful, but she fits right in, a lot better than Bill Moseley. (Leelee Sobieski, nominated in part for her work in In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale, was much more cringe-inducing) You know what? Paris is really great in this genre. I liked her in House of Wax too, the only performer in that movie that was trying to do anything, as I recall.
Oddest of all is the presence of opera star Sarah Brightman. I had a huge crush on her as a boy, when I was a fifth-grader first introduced to the wild world of Andrew Lloyd Weber and the beautiful score to The Phantom of the Opera. Seeing her in this film was...awe-inspiring. I mean, for one thing, she actually delivers a pretty good character, and her voice is beautiful. Also, she's in this movie, and that fact alone is enough to drive a man mad MAD I SAY! She also gets the best scene in the film, and not to spoil the movie or anything, but here it is. Proceed with caution:
Man, I need this soundtrack. I will never, ever get over the awesomeness of this movie. Oh, and if you think it's just the stage sequence, you're wrong: the ENTIRE MOVIE is either that weird blend of blue-and-white, or an uncomfortably jaundiced yellow. It is unbelievable what happens in this movie. Unbelievable.
See it. See it now, see it after that, then hold a party so you can see it again. It is just that...whew...impressive. This is going to be a cult classic in a few years, I guarantee it. And if it isn't, then I cannot wait to get some clout to MAKE IT SO.
And then I saw Repo! The Genetic Opera. And wow. Just when you think you have seen the height of rock opera amazingness, something like this comes along.
Not pictured: Anything to do with the movie
Not that it makes sense. The story is so unclear and convoluted that they use comic book panels as interludes, as a means to explain everyone's backstory. Then they sing you the backstory. Then they remind you of everyone's motives, who they are, etc. And while they're busy setting things up, NOTHING HAPPENS.
No, no, that's not true. Lots of stuff happens, but nothing happens. People are disemboweled, faces are stitched onto other faces, eyes spout out holographic images of dead family members: the works, you know.
And it's all-singing, too. It's so...wow. WOW. I mean, some of these songs are actually incredible, and some of the actors (dare I say it?) do a good job. And then we're reminded that they're saying the same thing they sang about earlier -- not even in a different way, just using the same words -- and it's a nice reminder of how consistent Repo! is.
Consistently AWESOME.
Paris Hilton as a surgery-addicted throwaway character? HELL YES
Alexa Vega wearing the world's most obvious bald cap? DELIVER
Production values inspired, according to the filmmakers, by a weird marriage of Blade Runner and Rocky Horror? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA GIMME GIMME GIMME
Alexa Vega is now twenty? THANK YOU
And the gore. Oh, the gore. If they took as much time on writing songs and developing characters as they did on the blood and guts, than this would be The Sound of Music. Only with, you know, disembowelments. Which is, at least, one element it has that is sorely lacking in Busby Berkeley's stuff.
If there is anything more daring and original than Repo! anywhere in life, lead me to it. It is just mind-boggling that someone would write this. Hell, that someone would read the script and BEG FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECT IT. Mad. Ness.
I need to have a party for this movie. Several, in fact. It is just impossible that something like this could exist and not be shared with the public at large. Maybe I'll be Paul Sorvino's character for Halloween. Ooh, or the Graverobber!
Choices, choices...
Oddest of all is the presence of opera star Sarah Brightman. I had a huge crush on her as a boy, when I was a fifth-grader first introduced to the wild world of Andrew Lloyd Weber and the beautiful score to The Phantom of the Opera. Seeing her in this film was...awe-inspiring. I mean, for one thing, she actually delivers a pretty good character, and her voice is beautiful. Also, she's in this movie, and that fact alone is enough to drive a man mad MAD I SAY! She also gets the best scene in the film, and not to spoil the movie or anything, but here it is. Proceed with caution:
Man, I need this soundtrack. I will never, ever get over the awesomeness of this movie. Oh, and if you think it's just the stage sequence, you're wrong: the ENTIRE MOVIE is either that weird blend of blue-and-white, or an uncomfortably jaundiced yellow. It is unbelievable what happens in this movie. Unbelievable.
See it. See it now, see it after that, then hold a party so you can see it again. It is just that...whew...impressive. This is going to be a cult classic in a few years, I guarantee it. And if it isn't, then I cannot wait to get some clout to MAKE IT SO.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)