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
