When discussing the movie musical, people have one of two responses. They either squeal with excitement, or roll their eyes in disgust. In my opinion, no other type of film genre elicits such a polar response. But what is it that distinguishes a film as a musical?
The movie musical has evolved over the years and there have been as many successes as failures. The genre is characterized by its combination of music, song, and dance as an integral part of the narrative. A film musical is a film in which in whole, or in part, has its shape, its movement, and its feeling dictated by music (Jackson, J. & Taylor, J. 10). However, not every film with a song and dance qualifies the film as a musical. Ideally, the true musical is characterized by a momentary lift into another world of fantasy (10). Additionally, the entire film is built around the music, and not vice versa. The sets and costumes are prominently displayed and collaborators include choreographers and musical arrangers.
Be that as it may, the musical genre as a whole cannot always be neatly categorized, especially in cinema today. I am going to be analyzing a variety of musicals within the genre that are truly unique in narrative, visual consumption, and overall composition. There is a notion that all musicals are shallow in plot and end happily ever after. While this holds true for some, musicals such as Sweeney Todd and the Phantom of the Opera do not adhere to such rules. Musicals today not can not only provide entertainment, but they also can address broader issues and act as a critique on society. Whether it be as controversial as Rent or as wholesome as Hairspray, the movie musical genre is everybit as unconventional as it is predictable. It is this dichotomy that will keep the movie musical alive whether the audience is rolling their eyes, or dancing in their seats.
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