by Laura W
It’s always hard for a theatre fan like myself to see an amazing musical transferred from stage to screen. Sometimes things work better on the stage, just as some stories work better on the screen. I’m sure it’s the same for a film fan, seeing a favourite film being transferred to the stage. The film of Jersey Boys received mixed reviews. Despite this, the film actually worked. To anyone who hasn’t seen the stage show, I can understand why they wouldn’t enjoy the film. With the release of the film version on DVD, here’s why Jersey Boys made a somewhat decent, but not quite adequate, transition.
It’s always hard for a theatre fan like myself to see an amazing musical transferred from stage to screen. Sometimes things work better on the stage, just as some stories work better on the screen. I’m sure it’s the same for a film fan, seeing a favourite film being transferred to the stage. The film of Jersey Boys received mixed reviews. Despite this, the film actually worked. To anyone who hasn’t seen the stage show, I can understand why they wouldn’t enjoy the film. With the release of the film version on DVD, here’s why Jersey Boys made a somewhat decent, but not quite adequate, transition.
The film tells the story of the singing group The Four Seasons (later Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) and their rise to fame. Originally formed in New Jersey, Nick Massi, Tommy DeVito and Frankie Valli start a trio. As time goes on, someone recommends (who, coincidentally, happens to be Joe Pesci) Bob Gaudio to the trio and Bob joins the group. The group initially does not attract much attention, until Gaudio writes a little song called Sherry. The song becomes a hit, and is followed by Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man. The story progresses and tells of the trials and tribulations the group deal with before separating.
Jersey Boys, the film version, is based on the multiple award-winning stage show. The show opened on Broadway in 2005, in the West End in 2008 and has spawned numerous tours and other productions all over the world. What many people don’t realize, and the film was criticized for this, was that the dialogue, along with other aspects of the film (such as having the actor who originated Frankie on Broadway play Frankie in the film), has come directly from the stage version. This pleased numerous stage fans, as it allowed for consistency and originality.
Jersey Boys, the film version, is based on the multiple award-winning stage show. The show opened on Broadway in 2005, in the West End in 2008 and has spawned numerous tours and other productions all over the world. What many people don’t realize, and the film was criticized for this, was that the dialogue, along with other aspects of the film (such as having the actor who originated Frankie on Broadway play Frankie in the film), has come directly from the stage version. This pleased numerous stage fans, as it allowed for consistency and originality.
However, despite its consistency and originality, the film lacks the magic that is in the stage version. There is a positive buzz from the stage version that keeps people wanting more. There is a reason that the show is so popular anyone who hasn’t seen the stage version of Jersey Boys or knows the story of The Four Seasons would more than likely be disappointed by the film adaptation. The film is missing something. Perhaps it’s because it was directed by Clint Eastwood. While Clint is quite talented, this particular film wasn’t meant to be directed by him and it shows. Jersey Boys should have been directed by someone who understands the stage and musicals. Perhaps Rob Marshall, who directed the award-winning film version of Chicago, is directing the upcoming film version of Into the Woods, and is a five-time Tony Award winner (one of theatre’s BIGGEST awards), would’ve been better suited for the role. Rob has also won an Emmy for his choreography for the TV film version of Annie.
While I give the film the best for maintaining consistency with its stage predecessor, which is huge, it is seriously lacking in the magic department. The audience should be walking away singing the songs, feeling the buzz of the film, like those did who had seen the stage version. Hopefully, with Into the Woods being released next month (on Christmas Day, no less) we may yet feel that musical magic coming back to cinema audiences.
While I give the film the best for maintaining consistency with its stage predecessor, which is huge, it is seriously lacking in the magic department. The audience should be walking away singing the songs, feeling the buzz of the film, like those did who had seen the stage version. Hopefully, with Into the Woods being released next month (on Christmas Day, no less) we may yet feel that musical magic coming back to cinema audiences.
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