I think I’ve mentioned it here before. But I really don’t like musicals all that much. I’m not sure why – maybe I’m lacking a gene or something. But, with the notable exception of West Side Story, the stuff that fills up half the West End leaves me cold. I went to see Les Mis when I was at school and I can’t remember anything about it. I’d read a good book any day before I’d bother queuing to see Phantom of the Opera, and even Guys and Dolls which is spitting distance from work doesn’t get me excited.
So when the Broadway musical adaptation of the 1968 Mel Brooks film finally opened in London a year or so ago, I was pretty indifferent. A friend was organising a trip to go and see it, and I think a minor football match was on that night that I preferred to see.
But a cold Monday and a free screening with drinks and nibbles in a smart hotel was enough to keep the curmudgeon in me at bay and at least give the show the benefit of the doubt. I mean, I did enjoy the story involving The Producers that ran throughout the fourth series of Curb Your Enthusiasm. And I had found the 1968 version of the film mildly entertaining (if not rip-roaringly funny).
So I have to report that I actually quite liked this new version of the musical back on celluloid featuring a good selection of the original Broadway cast. I don’t think anyone can really claim that the songs are ever going to be deemed all-time classics destined to be played ad nauseum in elevators for the rest of your natural life, or covered on album collections released at Christmas. But they pass the time and in a couple of instances work quite well.
Even though I haven’t seen the stage version, it’s obvious that like your average filmed version of a musical, they haven’t added or taken away much. Exterior shots are sparing and could easily have been replaced with scenes on set instead. Indeed in the majority of sets, there’s no third wall since that’s where the camera spends most of its time – a bit like a sitcom really.
I think the performances really won me over. This isn’t the funniest film you’re going to see this year (although at this point I’m struggling to think what might be – Sideways probably), but the premise of the story remains good, and almost despite the slightly too theatrical performances of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the title roles, a good time is had by all. Uma Thurman’s great as the sexy Ulla (well I found her sexy anyway), and Roger Bart and Gary Beach as the production’s director and choreographer steal nearly every scene they’re in. Most surprising of all is Will Ferrell who’s is a revelation by virtue of the fact that he’s actually funny in this. OK – I did once see him do a fantastic impersonation of Dubya.
So overall, recommended.