This movie has been in various stages of production almost since it first hit the stage in 1975. But it wasn’t until December of 2002 that a movie version finally made it to theatres.
The movie stars Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma, Renée Zellweger as Roxie and Richard Gere as Billy Flynn. There are a few substantial changes from the stage version, most notably the exclusion of many songs, including “A Little Bit of Good” (and a major change in the nature of Mary Sunshine’s character), “My Own Best Friend”, “I Know a Girl”, “Me and My Baby”, “When Velma Takes the Stand” and “Class”. The songs are introduced as a sort of fantasy sequence; or perhaps as reality in the way that Roxie views the world.
I really enjoyed the movie! I thought it was successful in capturing the same feel and tone of the stage show, and being a good movie in its own right. I was really impressed with both female leads as well! I’m not a big fan of Richard Gere, so I can’t be very objective there ;-), but casting in general was very good! I was so excited to see Colm Feore, but who decided to cast him in a musical, but put him in a role where he doesn’t sing?!
The movie won 3 Golden Globe awards and 6 Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Best Picture! Visit the official site or the E-fan guide for more!