Five Celebrity Movie Musicals I Want to See

This week I rhapsodize here on the Simon Morris blog, letting you know the five celebrity stories I believe need to be brought to the movie musical medium.

Celebs Are So Much More Interesting Than Real People!

As a fan of the movie musical, I can tell you that some of the best, most compelling productions tell the story of a particular person. A famous person obviously, since they lead way more interesting, yet tragic lives than the rest of us.

All you have to do is look at productions such as Evita and Funny Girl to understand this. These musicals were so successful because they were based on stories that were true. We really didn’t know if the real Eva Peron was a saint or a sinner, and yes, the real Fanny Brice’s love life was just that tragic.

These Five Celebrities Have Stories That Would Look Amazing Set to Music

I’m of the opinion that every celebrity has a story that would make for compelling viewing as a movie musical, and in my opinion, these following five celebs have stories destined for the musical silver screen…

1)      Kim Kardashian: I know this is going to be a controversial choice with many of you Simon Morris readers out there, but whether we like it or not, a lot of people find Kim interesting. It’d be like the Heat Magazine of musicals - we really know we shouldn’t see it, but the idea of seeing the infamous sex tape scandal set to music would be too juicy to resist.

2)      Madonna: For someone who’s shown us so much skin, how much do we actually know about who Madonna really is, what motivates and drives her? The famously driven pop icon is a jukebox musical makers wet dream, as not only does she have an epic back catalogue of versatile tunes, but a classic rags to riches story Madonna fans around the world never fail to find compelling.

3)      Barack Obama: If Evita taught us anything, it’s that not only is politics far from boring, it’s great fodder for a musical tune or two,  and there’s no more famous politician in the world today than US President Barack Obama. Personally, I would salivate at the chance to hear his rousing campaign speeches – which lighted fire under a generation – be reimagined as a musical number!

4)      John Lennon: John Lennon never gets less fascinating does he? Arguably, the most famous Beatle, Lennon’s penchant for controversy, troubled life and tragic assassination, would simply shine on the silver screen when accompanied by a rousing musical score. Or, we could just turn it into a jukebox musical!

5)      Judy Garland: As the ultimate movie musical actress with a famously tragic addiction and end, Judy Garland’s life would make the ultimate movie musical. Just think, her real life transition from beleaguered child star to troubled adult actress has compelled so many over the years that it’s just plain obvious.

Do You Agree?

Do you agree with my choices Simon Morris readers? Do you think these celebs have life stories that would make compelling movie musical productions? Or do you think I’m way off base. If you do, then just which celebrity’s story would you like to see made into a movie musical?

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Why Madonna Really Was the Perfect Choice for Evita

One of the biggest questions people ask when talking about musicals that have been made into movies is one I want to address today. Was Madonna really right for the part of Evita?

As a fan of the film I have to say that she was. I know that this is a hotly contested opinion so I’ll start with why the reasons people think she shouldn’t have taken the role aren’t that important.

The big issue is obviously the vocal ability. Madonna does not have the range, by far, of original Evita, Patti Lupone. However movie musicals inherently require less belting; after all belting is for theatres so people at the back can hear. The movie medium means this isn’t necessary (see Anne Hathaway and ‘I dreamed a dream.’

The other issue is Madonna’s acting ability, which has often been called into question in the past. However I would contest that Madonna wasn’t really acting so much as bringing an element of her own personality forward for the role.

There’s a reason that Madonna won a Golden Globe for the role. I believe this was because the material girl could identify with the role of Eva Peron. In acting if you can find a bit of yourself in the role it makes it a whole lot easier.

We all know that Madonna is probably one of the most ambitious women on the planet. Eva Peron was too. This innate thirst for success has seen both women establish reputations for pushing the boundaries no matter the cost. Both women are often considered both saints and sinners.

I also believe that Madonna’s ability as a performer did her credit. No one knows how to put on a show like her. Have you ever been to one of her live shows? From start to finish you fall under a trance as she seduces you into her world. She brought this skill and flare for the dramatic to the role of Eva Peron and you could see it shine through right from the first note of ‘Eva Beware of the City.’

This highlights a key point, Simon Morris readers, about how to turn musicals into movies. You have to believe what you’re seeing on screen. This is why Madonna was the perfect choice for Evita; she made us believe the story.

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