Seeing this film (I saw it originally at the multiplex) puts me in a mind to contemplate what makes a musical theater performer. What does make an actor capable of carrying off a musical? Certainly, the traditional three "threats" are important--singing, dancing, acting--but I think there is also some other, ineffable talents needed. Magneticism may be the fourth "threat". That's mostly what I see missing in the film of Chicago.
Catherine Zeta Jones seems to have magnetism on display in spades in this film. In fact, she may have scaled her performance for the stage, and could be selling the whole thing a little too much for film. Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere don't embarrass themselves in their performances, but sometimes they lack a bit of whatever it is that makes us unable to take our eyes off a magnetic musical performer. Queen Latifah also seems just shy of really nailing the performance as well, although having seen her in Hairspray, I think she's learning.
The extras on the DVD of this film include interviews with people involved in the original and subsequent Broadway incarnations of this show. Jerry Orbach is included along with Chita Rivera (who also has a bit role in the film).
Chicago
Music by John Kander
Lyrics and book by Fred Ebb
Film released in 2003
Lyrics and book by Fred Ebb
Film released in 2003
Based on the show from 1975
Cast: Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones, Richard Gere, John C. Reilly, Queen Latifah,
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