There is almost too much sexy in this picture for me to handle. Principal filming on the upcoming film adaptation of Maury Yeston's Nine is underway. Rob Marshall who made an impressive motion picture debut with the 2002 Best Picture winner Chicago is directing a cast including Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman; Oscar nominees Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson. Oh, and Fergie.
I wasn't sure what I thought about a film adaptation of Nine, as it is an rather abstract concept musical that takes place in the mind of Guido Contini, a film director facing a mid-life crisis, an inspirational nadir and divorce from his frustrated wife. Through the course of the show he interacts with all the women of his life, both past and present, including his wife, mistress, muse, mother, a prostitute from his childhood, his French film producer, among others. In a brilliant move, Contini is the only major male role in the musical (a flashback to the encounter with Saraghina, the prostitute, incorporates 1-3 young boys) and the great deal of the show allows diva after diva to have a turn.
Producer Liliane LaFleur has "Folies Bergere," Mistress Carla sings "A Call from the Vatican," Muse Claudia gets to sing the haunting ballad "Unusual Way" and Mrs. Luisa Contini sings the devastating "My Husband Makes Movies" and "Be on Your Own." The score is, for my money, the strongest Yeston has ever written. The "Overture delle Donne" is sung through by the ladies of the cast and the entire ensemble pulls out all the stops in the second act mini opera "The Grand Canal," an elaborate fifteen minute piece detailing his idea for a film about Casanova, based on elements from his own life.
Seeing this picture, however, I am more than excited to see how this turns out. Thoughts?
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3 comments:
i posted this pic earlier today also and it got me excited too! i happen to think nine is ripe for the silver screen. other concept musicals are brought up in my post (company, assassins, even follies) oh sondheim.. what would we do without you?
I love Nine. It's a fantastic show, and without a doubt they've assembled a great cast.
The movie's meant to be released on my nineteenth birthday, which is just perfect, I think.
What a way to celebrate your birthday!
I think it should be a pretty good time, all things considered.
And I'm sure Follies come around before we know it!
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