CARISSA MARSH
A&E Assistant
The famous Broadway rock opera “Rent” will make its way off stage and onto the big screen Nov. 23, to the delight of Rent-heads and musical-lovers everywhere.
“Rent” offers audiences the same beauty and drama of the theatrical version and makes us fall in love with the characters all over again, or for the first time. The movie makes the musical phenomenon available to a new generation that has yet to experience the remarkable story of friendship.
Jonathan Larson created the original production of “Rent,” based on Puccini’s classic opera “La Boheme.”
The musical tells the story of a group of bohemians who are struggling to live and pay their rent in New York’s East Village. “Rent” deals with difficult and somewhat taboo issues such as homosexuality, poverty, drug addiction and the AIDS epidemic.
The ensemble cast features five of the original Broadway performers: Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.
The story is narrated by Mark Cohen (Rapp), a filmmaker who is still in love with his lesbian ex-girlfriend, Maureen (Menzel). Maureen, a flirtatious and energetic performance artist, has moved on with her new love, a lawyer named Joanne (Tracie Thoms).
Mark and his roommate and best friend Roger (Pascal) are aspiring songwriters who cannot seem to write a song. Roger is attracted to his downstairs neighbor, Mimi (Rosario Dawson), but is afraid to start a new relationship. Mimi, an exotic dancer, has issues of her own but desperately wants to be loved. Tom Collins (Martin) is Mark and Roger’s former roommate. Angel (Heredia) is a spirited, fashion-forward street drummer who falls in love with Tom.
The antagonist in the story is landlord Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III (Taye Diggs), who once was a friend to the group, but is now their enemy after he threatened to evict them.
Benny tells Mark and Roger that if they stop Maureen’s protest against him, he will let them live rent-free.
Though the group members are diverse and unconventional, they are bonded together through their experiences. They are all passionate and rebellious artists searching for hope.
One of the strongest messages in the movie is that of community. The film is emotional, colorful and funny, but, at the same time, it is gritty, heartbreaking and real.
“Rent” opens with the cast on stage singing “Seasons of Love.” They are shrouded by darkness except for a spotlight on each person.
The lyrics of the song get to the heart of the movie: “How do you measure a year in the life? How about love?” and “Let’s celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends.”
One notable scene occurs when the angry tenants start a riot, lighting their rent notices on fire and hurling them out windows into the street. Against the dark night, the balls of burning paper look like fiery rain falling on the street.
Another incredible scene occurs when Mark and Joanne meet for the first time in a remarkable dance sequence with swooping camera angles and a wonderfully choreographed tango.
Undoubtedly, the music is the best part of the show.
Some of the movie’s most powerful songs include “La Vie Boheme” and “Forget Regret, or Life is Yours to Miss.” During many of the songs, the camera circles around the actors, giving movement to the scene.
Lighting effects, as in “Will You Light my Candle?” add emotion and drama to the music as well.
Larson’s original vision is kept intact by screenwriter Stephen Chbosky.
Chris Columbus (“The Goonies” and “Harry Potter”) skillfully directs the film, contrasting the themes of love, hope and friendship against the harsh reality of New York’s East Village.
Upon seeing Mark and Roger’s industrial loft, the audience is left wondering how anyone could live there.
Mark confirms this harsh reality when he says, “There are times when we’re dirt broke, hungry and freezing and I ask myself, ‘Why the hell am I still living here?’”
But what the audience discovers throughout “Rent,” is that it doesn’t matter where they are living or what trials they face, as long as they have each other.
11-17-2005
