Movie Review: The Producers

Before I complete this review, I gotta explain some things. See, I was raised a child of the theatre. My mom was a dancer as I grew up and she continued to dance until I was like 12. I remember finishing homework offstage right while my mom put chorus girls through their paces. It was a world in and of itself.And I have to explain it--not many people understand it for one and for two--it makes me biased to this movie.I've seen bad theatre and boy, I can be more sympatheic then most people. I know what it's like to flub lines, to miss cues to come on during wrong scenes. It's truly what makes theatre what it is. So where does the the movie review begin? Well, it doesn't when it comes to a movie like The Producers. Take an actor and put them on stage, they have to emote wide, make those gestures big, or, like with my ma so long ago, smile so wide that the lobby can see it without opera glasses. Take that same actor and slap him on the big screen. He blinks during a close up on an IMAX movie and, that's like, what, a six foot wink. No need for extra emphasis. YOu don't need to project to the back seats.And people think that acting is easy. No really. There are subtle differences.So what about the movie, Roo?!With The Producers, last year's hit Broadway show--they took the play and put it on the big screen. LITERALLY. Every movement is big, every song is belted, every nuance smeared to the sky. Broadway shows can make it to the big screen. Look at Chicago. But they altered the show enough to make it work. I know, I know, it's a musical, so who cares about reality? I know I don't, that's why I went to see this flick. But the fact remains, like my explainations at the front of this article, that many people might see The Producers and just not get it. You'd wonder why everyone is over-emoting. You'd wonder why Matthew Broderick's face looks like it's made of rubber. But if you know theatre, you might appreciate it a wee bit more. You'd understand the humor in sequences like, "Make It Gay." Or you'd clap when Ulla does a show stopper. Is the movie good? You can see I say both yes and no. I liked it, but I doubt many others will. It's got the typical quips of any Mel Brooks work--risque commentary on stereotypes and broad, physical humor. Do you think you can appreciate that? Then go. But remember, this is theatre folks. I couldn't help wondering if it might just have been a wee bit better onstage.