Despite the difficulty of transitioning a Broadway play to the sliver screen, the movie adaptation of Rent, which opens in theaters Nov. 23, delivers an intensely inspiring performance. The story’s struggles, triumphs and emotions shine radiantly through the talented cast and passion-filled soundtrack, proving Rent’s success on both the stage and screen.
On Broadway since 1996, this innovative and ground-breaking production written by the late Jonathan Larson, is based on Puccini’s classic opera ‘La Boheme.’ Rent is the story of friendship between a group of young, broke bohemians (musicians, dancers, aspiring film-makers, drag queens, junkies,) who strive for success, acceptance, love and survival in New York’s grimy East Village neighborhood in 1989.
From the first note in the opening scene, Rent sends chills up the spine and tears to the eyes. After a phenomenal musical introduction of “Seasons of Love,” the movie begins with the rock-inspired theme song of “Rent” and a series of fast-paced shots that depict the eccentric, outrageous characters as well as the surging highs and lows of Manhattan life.
The story is narrated by Mark (Anthony Rapp), a nerdy amateur filmmaker frequently found chronicling the lives of down-trodden, city dwellers for a hopeful documentary. His group of friends consists of the beautiful Mimi (Rosario Dawson) a headstrong, drug-addicted exotic dancer who pursues a relationship with Mark’s roommate Roger (Adam Pascal), a talented but struggling guitarist hiding his AIDS diagnosis.
There’s also the no-nonsense landlord, Benny (Taye Diggs), and NYU teacher, Tom Collins (Law and Order’s Jesse Martin). Others such as the wild drag-queen, Angel (Wilson Heredia), bring an optimistic, light-hearted hilarity to the group, along with the on again/off again, bickering lesbian couple (Idina Menzel and Tracie Thoms). Since the majority of these cast members contained roles in former Broadway productions of Rent, they demonstrate an apparent expertise in playing their character.
As the movie progresses, conflicts evolve with relationships, riots, AIDS, eviction and death. Regardless of the negative undertones, one of the most interesting elements of Rent is that it’s inspiringly positive and full of life. The film’s message and song lyrics that claim there’s “no day but today,” are invigorating, refreshing and moving to watch evolve in the heart of each character.
What consistently perpetuates the film, however, is the ongoing presence of its incredible music, which serves as the true heartbeat of the movie. In addition to the camera work that captures the breath-taking New York City backdrop, the music enhances an already compelling moment through powerful lyrics and perfectly timed, emotion-filled settings.
This arrangement of tunes, plot and conversation might sound like an awkward, cheesy collaboration for a film, but with the exception of a scene or two, Rent provides a smooth transition from Broadway show to hit movie.
Whether it’s through the action of a wild, flame-fueled street scene or the conversation in a moonlit, snow-covered alley, each moment of Rent challenges the audience to closely examine life and appreciate each day for what it is truly worth. Rent inspires viewers to seize the day, value friendships and find love because after all, there’s no day but today.
