I blame the Academy. (You know, ...of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
No, seriously. I sat down to watch the Oscars for just a few minutes because the only one I really wanted to see was Best Actress in a Supporting Role. They always do the supporting actor and actress awards at the beginning so I figured I'd be back at the computer in no time. But they didn't. They gave the supporting actor but not the actress. And I kept watching, and waiting.
You see, I felt I owed it to Anne Hathaway because of a false assumption I'd made about her. When I first heard they were making a screen version of one of my all time favorite Broadway musicals, Les Miserables, I cringed. Would Hollywood ruin it, like they have so many others? Would they take a song that was at the heart of the story and totally change its meaning, i.e. "What I Did For Love" in Chorus Line? Would they give a major part to a screen actor who can't sing, i.e. the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera? (At least they dubbed the singing for Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. And we won't even mention Pierce Brosnan's painful performance in Mamma Mia.) Would they use all box office "names", instead of casting actors more fitting to the roles?
When I heard about Anne Hathaway being cast as Fantine, my heart fell. What were they thinking? That role needs serious acting chops and a great singing voice. They gave it to bubbly Princess Mia?
Then I saw the movie. Anne Hathaway blew me away. Completely. I walked out of the theater saying if she didn't get an Oscar for that performance, there was no justice. So I felt it was only right that I watch it happen. And, of course, it did. My apologies and congratulations to Miss Hathaway.
Now take a couple minutes and enjoy this.
See what I mean?
So...how about you? Are you a Broadway musical fan? Any screen adaptations you especially liked or hated? What was your favorite "surprise" performance?
I still have lots to share about my week away so check back on Wednesday to meet some of my new best friends.
Quote of the Day:
"Never assume the obvious is true." ~ William Safire
20 comments:
Haven't seen the movie, but I did see the original theater production in London many years ago.
I was just happy Christoph Waltz won Best Supporting Actor.
I haven't seen the movie yet, but I've seen bits and pieces, including that Anne Hathaway clip. Truly an amazing performance.
I was blown away by the talent in Le Miserables. She surprised me, too!
Haven't seen the movie or the theater production—but this is a terrific reminder of the perils of assuming. Very gracious post, Linda.
~VR Barkowski
I had to come say hi after I saw your comment about "Big Butter Jesus" on C. Lee McKenzie's blog. Greetings from the other side of Ohio!
I'm not a fan of musicals, but I will watch this someday, if only for Hugh Jackman.
I knew Anne Hathaway could sing, just from the movie "Hoodwinked." Which is a funny movie, by the way. But I agree, she deserved the Oscar.
I was surprised Jennifer Lawrence won best actress. Not because she wasn't good - she was great and I LOVED the movie - but because I didn't think they'd give it to her. The Academy can be strange sometimes.
It's a good thing she won the Oscar since they kind of fileted her about her dress.
That was Anne Hathaway in Princess Diaries? I remember watching that with the kids. Fun film I have to admit.
I agree about Anne Hathaway :)
And I love the quote.
I knew she could sing from Ella Enchanted. She is a fantastic actress.
Alex - If you liked the play, I hope you'll decide to see the movie. It wasn't perfect but parts of it were just wonderful.
Karen - Totally agree.
Linda G. - Take the time to go. Really.
C. Lee - Me, too. I had no idea.
VR - I should have known better, but maybe that made the surprise that much sweeter.
Carrie - Glad you stopped by. Are you on the east side of the state?
Diane - Hugh Jackman was very good. Russell Crowe, not so much. (MHO)
Stacy - I agree about the Academy. That's why I had to actually watch it happen.
Maria - Uh oh. I didn't know about that. I never watch the fashion reports. I liked her dress but what do I know?
Stephen - That was her. And she was good in it. I just couldn't imagine her as Fantine. My bad.
Carol - I just found that quote today. I think I'll hang onto it.
Kim - With all due (or undue) respect to your zombie and horror flicks, you really need to see this one.
I'm waiting for the DVD. I've seen Les Miz several times in Chicago and had the same thoughts about the movie that you did. I'm pretty sure that I will love the movie too.
I'm a huge musical fan, so I always prefer real stage actors over movie stars when it comes to singing (totally agree w/ you on Phantom). BUT I did think Anne Hathaway did a fantastic acting job and her solo was the only part where I cried in the movie. She definitely deserved that Oscar! Did you hear they're making a movie out of Miss Saigon?
Liz - There were some elements of the movie that disappointed me but overall they captured the essence of play. I think you'll enjoy it.
Julie - I hadn't heard about Miss Saigon. Another great musical. Let's hope Hollywood does it justice.
I like the classic old school musicals. Some of the ones in the past 30 years have had some good music, but I really don't keep up with them much. Haven't seen Les Miz yet, but I'm sure I will eventually.
I thought Evita was quite good and liked Madonna in the lead role. Can't think of any other recent musicals right now.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
i knew she could sing. she's one of my faves. so happy she won!
ready to buy this dvd, just for me =)
I love Les Mis as well and had the same thoughts as you when I first heard the movie. Haven't seen it yet but it's clear she really nailed the role and song.
Lee - I hope you see Les Miz. And I agreed the Madonna did an excellent job as Eva Peron. I though that play translated well to the screen.
Tara - I'll be buying that DVD, too.
Julie - If you love the play, definitely check out the movie.
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