"The Wiz" - a current appraisal

Darrin · Joined: 22 Nov 2007 Posts: 33

To paraphrase the famous adage, "When I was a child, I viewed films
like a child; when I became a man, I did away with horrible films." eh
While this film/play did bring back many fond memories of my
childhood, it was unabearable to watch as an adult. I recently saw
this on cable again for the first time in 25+ years. The great Sidney
Lumet (sweet NYer) finally commented on his film, calling it a
disaster. First mistake: hiring a dramatic filmmaker to direct a
musical. Almost all of the dance numbers were filmed from behind &
afar! LOL! Positives: catchy soundtrack (particularly "Ease On Down
The Road") & umpteenth film on the most romanticized city in the
world, NYC.

Archived from group: rec>arts>theatre>musicals

chromolume · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 15

On Feb 24, 1:00 pm, Darrin wrote:
> To paraphrase the famous adage, "When I was a child, I viewed films
> like a child; when I became a man, I did away with horrible films." eh
> While this film/play did bring back many fond memories of my
> childhood, it was unabearable to watch as an adult. I recently saw
> this on cable again for the first time in 25+ years. The great Sidney
> Lumet (sweet NYer) finally commented on his film, calling it a
> disaster. First mistake: hiring a dramatic filmmaker to direct a
> musical. Almost all of the dance numbers were filmed from behind &
> afar! LOL! Positives: catchy soundtrack (particularly "Ease On Down
> The Road") & umpteenth film on the most romanticized city in the
> world, NYC.

The film is just one big mistake after another. Problem is, I'm only
marginally fonder of the stage show's book, which *may* have worked in
1975 but just sounds mostly embarrassing now. The original score has
some great songs, though - this is the saving grace of the show.

Darrin · Joined: 22 Nov 2007 Posts: 33

On Feb 24, 8:19ï¿½pm, chromolume wrote:
> On Feb 24, 1:00ï¿½pm, Darrin wrote:
>
> > To paraphrase the famous adage, "When I was a child, I viewed films
> > like a child; when I became a man, I did away with horrible films." eh
> > While this film/play did bring back many fond memories of my
> > childhood, it was unabearable to watch as an adult. I recently saw
> > this on cable again for the first time in 25+ years. The great Sidney
> > Lumet (sweet NYer) finally commented on his film, calling it a
> > disaster. First mistake: hiring a dramatic filmmaker to direct a
> > musical. Almost all of the dance numbers were filmed from behind &
> > afar! LOL! Positives: catchy soundtrack (particularly "Ease On Down
> > The Road") & umpteenth film on the most romanticized city in the
> > world, NYC.>

> The film is just one big mistake after another. Problem is, I'm only
> marginally fonder of the stage show's book, which *may* have worked in
> 1975 but just sounds mostly embarrassing now. The original score has
> some great songs, though - this is the saving grace of the show.

In all fairness, Wacko Jacko was convincing as the Scarecrow. While
not as scary (no pun intended!ehe) as his current self, you could see
the beginning transformation of his face in this film!eh Sidenote: the
screenplay was written by sweet Joel Schumacher. eh Yes, the same
Schumacher who has gone on to have an illustrious career behind the
camera. Hey, he penned & directed one of my all-time favorites, St.
Elmo's Fire! eh Steve just said: "Oh that accursed "Man in Motion: St.
Elmo's Fire" Big '80s hit rock song by John Parr!" eheee

J Golden · Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

I can't agree with that. I thought Milos Forman did an exceptional job
with "Hair"

On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:00:13 -0800 (PST), Darrin
wrote:

>First mistake: hiring a dramatic filmmaker to direct a
>musical

Darrin · Joined: 22 Nov 2007 Posts: 33

On Feb 24, 10:00ï¿½pm, J Golden wrote:

> I can't agree with that. I thought Milos Forman did an exceptional job> with "Hair">

A rare exception indeed! eh Then again, "Hair" did not have to rely on
F/X and extravagant sets. While both films were filmed in NY, Hair was
shot on-location. "The Wiz" was primarily shot at Astoria Studios in
Queens. You needed a Spielberg or James Cameron behind the helm of
"The Wiz," not a nail-biter like Lumet! eh -D, NYC "When I was in New
York in 1967, I was visiting and I saw the very first public preview
of Hair. I did not understand a word, but I loved the songs. I just
went crazy for the melodies" - MILOS FORMAN (paternal sweet ancestry,
as told to on Encore's "The Directors")

> On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:00:13 -0800 (PST), Darrin
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >First mistake: hiring a dramatic filmmaker to direct a
> >musical- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

StormChaser · Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 5

The casting of Diana Ross in the lead
was the first mistake. Though I admire
her singing and some of her songs with
The Supremes and her solo career,
she was all wrong for Dorothy, I would
have much preferred Irene Cara although
she was relatively unknown at the time.

Director Sidney Lumet composed the
image for a theatre sized screen which
lends distance to some scenes when
viewed at home. Sidney Lumet, too, was
not the best choice for director. George
Cukor and King Vidor was still alive at
the time. I wonder if they were ever
considered?

Darrin · Joined: 22 Nov 2007 Posts: 33

On Feb 25, 10:59ï¿½pm, StormChaser wrote:
> The casting of Diana Ross in the lead
> was the first mistake. Though I admire
> her singing and some of her songs with
> The Supremes and her solo career,
> she was all wrong for Dorothy, I would
> have much preferred Irene Cara although
> she was relatively unknown at the time.
>
> Director Sidney Lumet composed the
> image for a theatre sized screen which
> lends distance to some scenes when
> viewed at home. Sidney Lumet, too, was
> not the best choice for director. George
> Cukor and King Vidor was still alive at
> the time. I wonder if they were ever
> considered?

Yes, Ross was too old for the role. Then again, so was Garland!eh
Richard Pryor was also terribly miscast as "The Wiz." Ted Ross was
the only one who gave a stellar performance as "The Lion" (Fleetwood
Coupe De Ville). The same role that won him a Tony in 1975.

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