Musicals—31

When I began writing about film musicals I never thought I’d be doing so for over half a year! And as I look back at the 30 musical posts, I keep noticing musicals I left out!! There are just so many!

The highly-anticipated musical for Cats by Lee Hall and Tom Hooper opened in December, based on the writings of T.S. Elliot, and with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The film is based, of course, on the play of the same name that broke records on Broadway and in the West End in London. Take a look at a trailer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5697572/videoplayer/vi2898837273?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_1

I was living in New York when the musical was on Broadway and every out-of-town visitor I had wanted to see Cats. I got very tired of it and, in fact, was never that high on it in the first place. But hey, I didn’t much care for the Lion King either. Part of it is that there comes a time for me when a musical ceases to be just a musical, and what should be the simple telling of a story with music becomes a spectacle—and Cats and Lion King both fall into that “spectacle” category. When does a story with music turn into more of a Las Vegas review with glitz and glamour and costumes that almost steal the show? I’m not sure where you draw the line, but both of these musicals seem contrived to me—they don’t spring from something organic, from a story that I can’t wait to find the outcome of as I watch the film. The outcome is pretty much obvious from the start.

Being obvious. If there was one thing I could tell you to be careful of in your writing, it’s that. Try very hard to stay away from the trite—from obvious choices, obvious plot developments—and aim for something that will surprise your audience. Great writing is absolutely full of moments where the audience says “Whoa! Didn’t see that coming!!” and that’s exactly what you want—you want to surprise your audience every chance you get.

I mention Cats and Lion King not to tear them apart—after all, they’re both successful, much-loved musicals—but to caution you to aim higher. I know, I know, they’re both hugely successful, so how could you aim any higher? But the thing is, I’m not talking about success, I’m talking about quality, I’m talking about you coming up with a story from your heart, that resonates for you, that will thus resonate for that person reading your script! Chances are you don’t have access to a great book to try and adapt—unlike Cats, your story must come from you, from inside YOU.

So dig deep. If you love musicals, ask yourself what are your favorites and why—that might give you a direction to go in as you craft your own musical. I have to say, getting a script seen, then bought, then made is incredibly hard, and a musical? Well, that adds yet another layer of difficulty. But if it’s your passion, you make it happen. And you hopefully have fun doing it!

Go forth… whistle a happy tune as you skip to the beat of your film musical.

Copyright © Diane Lake

23Feb20

Email Diane a question to Diane@DianeLake.com