Where to start! Of course it's the best movie adaptation of a Broadway musical. The question is why was no other director ever able to match its quality. The movie dares to go to the horrifying. Listen to some of the bigoted comments that are made; a number in blackface, the treatment of a couple in a mixed marriage; somhow it all rings totally honest.
Those who love the play will be disappointed that some of the great songs are dropped but two brilliant ones were added.
They seemed to understand which songs though good on stage were not suitable for a film.
Watch the brilliant camera angles on Julie as she sings "Bill," Joe's face as he says goodbye to Miss Julie, and Frank and Ellie's New Year's Eve number.
The ending in the play never worked. In this film they don't really get it either. Kim's role is simply not well conceived yet the return of Gay is more realistic and moving than it was on stage.
This is an Epic. There are some minor problems but GIANT achievements. The storytelling is what keeps it so solid.
Those who love the play will be disappointed that some of the great songs are dropped but two brilliant ones were added.
They seemed to understand which songs though good on stage were not suitable for a film.
Watch the brilliant camera angles on Julie as she sings "Bill," Joe's face as he says goodbye to Miss Julie, and Frank and Ellie's New Year's Eve number.
The ending in the play never worked. In this film they don't really get it either. Kim's role is simply not well conceived yet the return of Gay is more realistic and moving than it was on stage.
This is an Epic. There are some minor problems but GIANT achievements. The storytelling is what keeps it so solid.