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"Movie: Chicago"
01/02/2003 Entry
A friend of mine (who still doesn't have a Web site and thus will not get a link here) just asked me (via snail mail *gasp*) if I have seen any movies recently so I'll take this opportunity to add to my list of recent frustrations with Hollywood. (If you're just collecting movie mistakes skip to the last paragraph.)
Against my better judgement, I went to see Chicago a few days ago. I have seen the play before both on Broadway and performed by the Princeton University Players student group. Seeing it once was enough as it does not have much of a plot, but since I like student productions and the music is entertaining enough, I went to the PUP show as well. I should've left it at that. If the point of musicals is to see live dancing and singing then obviously seeing one on screen is not going to measure up. And it didn't.
Some musicals are worth remaking for the big screen. One I can think of is Cabaret. The theatre and movie versions are quite different but both address all sorts of issues and do so well. And with enough of a plot, the music and dancing survives the transfer to the big screen. I can't say the same for Chicago.
Moreover, there was a particular annoying movie mistake in this film that most will have missed but some of us did not. There is a Hungarian character in Chicago called Hunyak. She says a few sentences in Hungarian in the song "Cell Block Tango". I think it is fine that they cast a Russian actress for this role, after all, these are actors who should be able to play whatever nationality. What's not fine is that in the movie the character says a few throw-away words in Russian. So what's the problem? Hungarian and Russian are not interchangeable. They are not even from the same family of languages. Chances are extremely slim that a Hungarian woman with no English skills in Chicago in 1929 would speak any Russian.. and even if she did (no chance) she would not resort to using it in a heated situation (desperate to get a laywer's attention while in jail). Is the underlying Hollywood idea that all languages from that region of the world are the same? Or that no one would notice anyway? When it comes down to it, it is sloppy work. And it is very unfortunate to see sloppy work when millions of dollars went into a production (actually, it's unfortunate even when only a few cents went into a production).
Replies: 30 Comments have been posted, click here to see them and add your own
I couldn't agree with you more, Eszter. Last night I saw the movie musical Chicago. I was pretty disappointed. The movie wasn't a movie musical; it was a movie with some displaced musical numbers disguised as a dreamy, but other-wise sane woman's delusions. It reminded me a lot of that dark, dark movie musical Dancer in the Dark. In addition to Chicago's (major) structural problem, the choreography was bland and the mixing of the music was unexciting. Chicago - as a musical - already has a very dull plot. Seeing a recording of its musical numbers performed by less than Broadway talent (Queen Latifa?) mixed between melodramatic sketches was painful.
Posted by Jeff Vinikoor @ 01/08/2003 11:15 PM CST
The actress who plays the Hungarian has a Russian name, but the words she speaks are not Russian. I know Russian, don't know Hungarian, although do know how it sounds. Thought that it was Hungarian.
Posted by Olga @ 01/09/2003 02:09 AM CST
Olga, thanks for your note. The words she says in Cell Block Tango are the original words in the play which are in Hungarian. (Her Hungarian is very bad but that's okay, it's a difficult language.) Here, I was referring to a few throwaway words she says later when the lawyer is visiting the jail. She's behind bars and runs after him and says a few words in Russian. (I don't speak Russian but studied it long enough to have recognized those few words.)
Posted by eszter @ 01/09/2003 09:38 AM CST
The movie Chicago was a brilliant movie that not only had amazing dance numbers that moved the plot along, but had amazing actresses and actors that perfectly portrayed their characters. I am a huge skeptic of the movie musical, but absolutely loved this one! Anyway, who doesn't go and see it, is missing out. This is for many reasons. The best number in the entire movie was probably "Cell Block Tango"! The dancers were fierce and the cinematography was very well executed. There wasn't a dull moment in the entire movie. I have gone back to see it and will go back again!
Posted by Aimee @ 01/12/2003 12:03 AM CST
I thought it was an awesome Movie Musical, and I find that those who are quick to feircly judge *Not mentioning anyone in particular* are either making up for their own lack of life, or have a bug up their butt.
Remember, not everyone wants to see what YOU want to see. Theres close to 5 billion people in the world. I doubt every one of them will dislike this movie.
Posted by Murray @ 01/12/2003 06:30 PM CST
P.S. The hungarian translates to:
"What am I doing here? They say, the famous Hungarian police, that I killed my husband. But I didn't do it, I am not guilty. I can't believe that Uncle Sam says I did it. They say I did it, but really I...."
Posted by Murray @ 01/12/2003 06:46 PM CST
Chicago was one of my favorite stage productions, so I was leery about seeing the film, thinking that it could not possibly measure up.
I saw the film yesterday and absolutely loved it! They pulled it off in spades! Gere obviously enjoyed every second of it and danced his handsome butt off. Zellweger (very skinny now) oozed Kewpie Doll/Marilyn Monroe charm. Zeta-Jones successfully revisited her beginnings as a hoofer. And Queen Latifa, overflowing bosom notwithstanding, was perfect as the money hungry warden! Roxie's gullible hubby gets huge points too for his Cellophane Man number.
The Producers made a successful trip from film to stage. Chicago proves that the reverse trip is possible too!
For those sourpusses who are bitchin' about literal translations of the Russian lines - loosen up and enjoy the show!
Posted by Jackie D. @ 01/13/2003 02:57 AM CST
Well I disagree with everyone who said they were disappointed with the movie chicago. That movie was so good the cinematography, choreograpphy, shit everything was so good it truely was the best musical turned into a movie I have ever seen and my favorite like many others was cell block tango.
Posted by Thasha E. @ 01/13/2003 03:22 AM CST
i saw the movie "Chicago" yesterday afternoon.... fantastic visually and musically... couldn't ask for more... "cell block tango" was unbelievable.. memorable.. but the plot didn't move me at all... i'm afraid i compared it to "moulin rouge" ~ which may be unfair... but i was much more touched by the story in "moulin"... overall, though... glad i saw chicago... i'd see it again... and i believe it needs to be seen on the big screen
Posted by Teri @ 01/13/2003 04:36 PM CST
It was a fantastic film. Those who dislike musicals will dislike this one, because it's a wonerful extravaganza that measures up to the recent revivial on Broadway. Well done!
But the Russian line "Help me please!" did throw me for a loop. Hollywood must realize that there are some of us out there who do study languages, and know the difference between Hungarian and a slavic language. We're not as dumb as they think we are.
Posted by Gillian @ 01/15/2003 05:05 PM CST
I'm one of those who is not familiar with the stage production of Chicago. But I saw it and enjoyed it immensely!
Whether one dance actress spoke Hungarian or Russian, eh, I don't care. The character was a foriegner and spoke something other then English--I took it as a whole--didn't bother me in a bit.
I particularly loved Gere's tap dancing in illustrating the predicament his character was in in the courtroom. Good job and I was entertained!
Posted by Kwai-lin @ 01/17/2003 10:49 PM CST
Well i saw it on thursday-as im english most of you got to see it before me-hate you all.hehe anyway, Chicago was FANTASTIC, so much so the next day i brought the soundtrack so i could picture the film again whenever i want in my head until the dvd comes out-anyway, it was great- i went with my friend and unlike me she had seen the stage show whereas i hadnt and we both LOVED it so it proves just HOW good the film is if she liked it aswell as me-we went home on the freey singign at the tops of our voices-ALL THAT JAZZ and RAZZLE DAZZLE, thankyou for whoever had the idea of making Chicago the stageshow into a movie
Posted by Pamela @ 01/18/2003 11:35 AM CST
I saw "Chicago" last night and im disappointed to hear that some people didnt like it. I thought it was a very entertaining movie.I dont see how the russian and hungarian situation (referring to Ezster's comments) could've bothered you so much. It has nothing to do with the rest of the movie. I think that you were focusing too much on the negative and exagerating it a bit. To those who havent seen it (even though i saw it a little late myself) i think its a very good movie and you should judge it for yourself.
Posted by Sara G @ 01/18/2003 01:32 PM CST
I saw Chicago last night and found it fabulous. It caught the entire audience immediately and we sat spell bound for the entire evening! The sets were wonderful, the costumes were gorgeous, it was hilarious, the dancing was great and the acting couldn't have been better. I went with 7 people and they ALL loved it. I want to go back and see it again. I especially liked the uplifting feeling everyone had walking out of the theater. What a great movie. Who cares about Hungarian or Russian. How picky of you!
Posted by Marilyn @ 01/18/2003 10:52 PM CST
I saw Chicago last night and found it fabulous. It caught the entire audience immediately and we sat spell bound for the entire evening! The sets were wonderful, the costumes were gorgeous, it was hilarious, the dancing was great and the acting couldn't have been better. I went with 7 people and they ALL loved it. I want to go back and see it again. I especially liked the uplifting feeling everyone had walking out of the theater. What a great movie. Who cares about Hungarian or Russian. How picky of you!
Posted by Marilyn @ 01/18/2003 10:52 PM CST
I can't remember the last time I smiled and talked all the way home about how wonderful a movie was. Unlike many, I never saw the stage production -- and wasn't disappointed a bit! As a dancer in my youth -- I was moved by the talent of the entire cast. Totally enjoyed Chicago and would recommend it to all!!
Posted by Janet @ 01/19/2003 03:42 AM CST
I didn't see the movie yet but I know it has to be great. Because Robbie Marshall had alot to do with it. I went to school with back in Pittsburgh Pa. He was great then . I always thought he was going to make it big and finally did!. I'm so proud to say that I use to sit near in choir class( Mrs. Lewis). I'm sure she is proud of you too.
Posted by catherine donato @ 01/20/2003 07:47 PM CST
BEAUTIFUL! FANTASTIC! MARVELOUS!
GREAT FUN! WONDERFUL! SMASHING!
ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! IF YOU MISS IT, THEN BUY THE VIDEO OR DVD. IT WILL EVENTUALLY BE SEEN ON TV, too.
TO SEE THE MOVIE "CHICAGO" IS TO LOVE IT! ENJOY!!
Posted by MARY VERDIER @ 01/21/2003 01:04 AM CST
Saw Chicago tonight and was completely enthralled. There was not one dull song and the lyrics were wonderful. The transitions between fantasy and reality were seamless and very effective. Terrific movie and well worth the admission price. It is a DVD I definitely want to collect.
Posted by Robert @ 01/21/2003 03:03 AM CST
Just returned from seeing "Chicago."
A few notes:
I do not care for Zellweger, not before this production and certainly this production didn't really give me a change of heart. She did fairly well in singing and dancing, but I feel a few other actresses may have given more depth in the tension with Zeta Jones' character.
I was impressed with Queen Latifah's rendition of "When You're Good to Mama" and was sorely disappointed to know that "Class" (which she sung, but the scene was cut) wasn't going to be in the movie. I've read it will be on the DVD edition.
All in all, I don't like musicals. Something about my characters suddenly breaking out into song jolts me... I made exceptions for "Cabaret" and "Moulin Rouge" and I'm making another exception for "Chicago." It's an excellent film, the segues into song work and Gere showing us the verbal and physical tap dance was phenomenal. Who knew?
Posted by Susan @ 01/25/2003 11:05 PM CST
CHICAGO! What a ride!
I caught a 1:20 mantinee at the Pleasure Island AMC. Had a few free hours to kill. And honestly if I didn't see the clips on Leno or on the Globes Show it would probably have been a movie I would've missed. (I'm a 39 year old guy). I walked out of that theater with a huge smile and dripping a few tears of happiness.
Best $6.50 I ever spent!
I loved the wit and the quickness, or flow. Great cinematoghraphy, editing, SOUND, lighting, choreography, humor,(writing), and the joy in the since of accopmlishment of all the actors in their individual preformances. I think they were challenged and they never really knew what they really had in them!
Renee: That's grit. Richard: Had fun didn't you? Kathryn: You still got LOTS of it girl. Queen: Perfected the character. Celophane man: (I apologize), great preformance. Taye. Luci. The rest of the cast! WOW!
I feel bad for Eszter and Jeff. Maybe neither has access to any modern theaters.
So far the best movie of this centry. Way to go Robbie!
You folks have a great day!
Posted by Richard E. Lysek @ 01/26/2003 03:15 AM CST
Just saw the movie. Had reservations about Richard Gere and Renee Zelweiger being able to pull this off but I found that they were great. Catherine Zeta Jones was also a great surprise. Not only is she the best looking woman in Hollywood she can sing and dance too! Great movie. I highly recommend it. Don't be swayed by the nay-sayers.
Posted by Lary @ 01/26/2003 04:43 PM CST
Isn't it wonderful that we are not all alike? Otherwise there would be only one type of movie--or music--or sport necessary in our lives.
Chicago was a phonomenal movie. If I could have, I would have turned around and gone back for another viewing.
Great!!! It deserved the awards received.
I recommend it to all.
Posted by Judy @ 01/26/2003 05:23 PM CST
Isn't it wonderful that we are not all alike? Otherwise there would be only one type of movie--or music--or sport necessary in our lives.
Chicago was a phonomenal movie. If I could have, I would have turned around and gone back for another viewing.
Great!!! It deserved the awards received.
I recommend it to all.
Posted by Judy @ 01/26/2003 05:23 PM CST
I thought that this movie was great. My favorite song was Cell Block Tango. I really want the soundtrack. I will have to go out and buy it. Who ever did not like it is crazy. This movie is great. I saw it on Saturday and wanted to buy another ticket. I never new that some of the actors could sing but they really did pull it off. Great movie.
Posted by Monique @ 01/27/2003 08:10 PM CST
After seeing the cast on the Golden Globes I just had to see this movie. Who cares about the plot? Loved the music and dancing, especially Richard Gere's tap dance. When the show was over and the songs played all through the endless list of credits no one left the theater! We all just sat and listened to the music over again. I bought the soundtrack today.
Posted by Casey Saw Chicago on Jan. 25, 2003 @ 01/29/2003 12:42 AM CST
I noticed the Hungarian/Russian languages in the movie, and I thought it was pretty cool that many others noticed this too! (Hungrian murderess desparetly screams out ÏÎÆÀËÓÉÑÒÀÀÀÀÀÀ!! to Gere as he walked past - as others have described). As a man, I believe that "Cell block Tango" will give me nightmares for the rest of my life -- and when I get married, I must remove all manner and form of sharp objects from the reach of my future darling wife (I sure wouldn't want to "accidentally" walk into a can opener, 13 times in my neck!). I digress. Anyhow, it would have been really cool if Lui would have yelled out something in Cantonese; just like as in "Wayne's World." Party on dude... and all that jazz!
Posted by Paul Nemeth @ 02/01/2003 03:47 AM CST
I just want to say that the movie Chicago was brilliant!!! I really believe that anyone who disagrees with me is CRAZY! The actors and directors did a wonderful job. Even if you are not into musicals this is a must see!
Posted by Jay @ 02/01/2003 11:37 PM CST
I loved Chicago; it was a great film, but I am one of those people who thinks that Hungarian characters (played by Russians or not) should use Hungarian when under duress.
I would not have noticed it, being unfamiliar with both languages, except that I was with my friend Tatyana, from Russia, when I saw it. I think that Ekaterina was a great choice for the role, and performed wonderfully, but would it really have been so hard for the writers to look up "Help me please" in Hungarian? Mistakes like this can be very offensive, and should be avoided whenever possible.
Posted by Katya @ 02/02/2003 10:07 PM CST
I just saw Chicago and prior to seeing it I couldn't get "ALL that Jazz" out of my head. Now it is permanently etched in my brain. GREAT MOVIE!!
Posted by darlingMiss @ 02/07/2003 12:13 AM CST
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