| Why is there so much comparison to the film? | |
| Posted by: | broadwaybacker 06:32 pm EDT 03/18/14 |
| In reply to: | Bullets Over Broadway tonight (Spoilers and VERY long) - AlanScott 04:39 am EDT 03/18/14 |
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| Woody Allen films are not generally huge box office hits, and Bullets isn't even in his top 10. It did a bit over $13 million at the box office, and about $26 million in adjusted box office revenues. So my guess is that the overwhelming majority of people who see the Broadway show will have either never seen the film, or if they have seen it will have only a vague recollection of it. So to me, the real question becomes how will this show be received not by Woody devotees, but by the typical summer tourist crowd (not to mention the critics.) How entertaining is it, period? Will it be cut to a more tolerable length than the current 2:45? Will they fix the ending. which seems to have generated substantial criticism? I haven't seen it yet, but I have tickets to see it the day before it opens. The fact that AlanScott, (who I respect as much or more than anyone on this board) found it enjoyable certainly is a positive sign, as he's a pretty tough critic generally speaking. So I'm really looking forward to it. And though I have seen the film, I can't quote lines or remember many of its jokes, which probably makes me more like most people who are going to see it. | |
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| re: Why is there so much comparison to the film? | |
| Posted by: | AlanScott 08:43 pm EDT 03/18/14 |
| In reply to: | Why is there so much comparison to the film? - broadwaybacker 06:32 pm EDT 03/18/14 |
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| The show let out at 10:40 last night, after a standard late start and what seemed a slightly longish intermission (necessary given the rest room situation at the St. James). While I think some numbers could be cut, I don't think it feels intolerably long. As mentioned, the numbers I think could most readily go are mostly in the second act, which is only about 50-55 minutes (after a first act of about 80-85) so cutting two or three numbers would leave a very short act. I do suspect that one way or another they will get it down a bit, but if they don't, I don't think people will complain too much. If anything, I think a lot people appreciate seeing a show that feels full length after spending all that money. As for the question of comparison, I'm not a critic and my original post is more a report than a review so I don't feel the need to restrain myself from comparing it to the film. Near the end of my original post, I did wonder whether the show will make a lot of sense to audiences who don't know the film, especially those who may not be all that theatre-savvy. But I can't pretend not to know the film well and in this case I don't feel able to put myself in the position of someone who doesn't. As Chazwaza notes, it's very easy for anyone who wants to see the film to see it. I'd guess that a large percentage of last night's audience had seen the film and that some had seen it multiple times. I agree that how well it will appeal to audiences beyond Woody Allen devotees is a big question, but it's one that I don't feel qualified to address. | |
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| re: Why is there so much comparison to the film? | |
| Posted by: | Chazwaza 07:46 pm EDT 03/18/14 |
| In reply to: | Why is there so much comparison to the film? - broadwaybacker 06:32 pm EDT 03/18/14 |
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| No wait a minute. What makes you think that the people who paid to see the movie in theaters in 1994 are the total number of people who have seen it? The movie has been out on video and DVD and whatever else for TWENTY YEARS. On top of that, it was nominated for SEVEN OSCARS and won 1. I assure you many more people have seen the movie than bought tickets for it in 1994. And I'm not trying to claim it's some enormous popular perennial favorite that everyone has seen, I'm just saying don't try to skew it unnecessarily. Also, anyone who wants to see the movie and hasn't, can see it very easily and cheaply (if not for free) before they see the show, or after. So comparisons are impossible to avoid. Especially since, even though 20 years old, it is fairly recent, and being Woody Allen, it will never be separated fully from being compared to the movie. It seems odd to me that you're even asking this question, what, 3 previews in to the Broadway preview run of the first Woody Allen musical based on a fairly recent film... OF COURSE, maybe more than many properties, this will be compared to the film by people who are writing about it in chat boards or blogs or newspapers and magazines. And the fact that it doesn't have an original score, but has quite a long of songs, makes it all the more comparable because it's not being reimagined/adapted as a musical the way most things are (with an original score being written). But again it seems pointless to ask because it's inevitable. And, I hardly think it was necessary for you to say this, and the way you said it: "AlanScott, (who I respect as much or more than anyone on this board)" ... ouch to anyone else! (I'm not personally offended, I just read it and laughed out loud with "jeez"). | |
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| one retraction | |
| Posted by: | Chazwaza 07:51 pm EDT 03/18/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Why is there so much comparison to the film? - Chazwaza 07:46 pm EDT 03/18/14 |
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| I re-read the line I quoted a few times and I swear each time I read it I read "who I respect more than anyone on this board" ... which is what was so funny to me. Reading it again and seeing the "as much or more" in there is certainly less biting or notable, but still mildly notable in its being mentioned that way at all. Anyway, sorry for the misread. Cheers! | |
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