I find it quite intriguing when actors who do not normally sing and dance in films are cast in a musical.
And this is not just any musical, but an ensemble cast complete with A-list actors and top-notch talent all around.
Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), is a film director in 1960's Italy known for his racy Italian films which have had a huge impact on the viewing world. But his last couple of films have been flops and Guido is feeling the pressure to make his next film, Italiano, an over the top hit. He has 10 days until filming begins, but hasn't written a page of the script.
Feeling overwhelmed, Guido tries some "remedies" to help him get back on track. He is examined by a doctor, advised by a priest, and pleasured by Carla (Penelope Cruz), his mistress. But nothing seems to give him inspiration and his slump is having negative affects on his working relationships while he tries to juggle the women in his life: his mistress (Cruz), his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), his muse Claudia (Nicole Kidman), his loyal costume designer/assistant Lilli (Judi Dench, ever so elegant), a flirty reporter, Stephanie (Kate Hudson) and his mother (Sophia Loren) from afar.
But Luisa is getting tired of not being the lead woman in her husband's life and Guido risks losing not only his marriage, but his film career all-together.
The movie, which was directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago) is full of outstanding choreography and musical numbers. Each of the actors can really sing; even Daniel Day-Lewis has a charming singing voice. We've heard Nicole Kidman's velvety voice before in the movie Moulin Rouge and Fergie's vocal range is incredible as she belts out "Be Italian" as Saraghina, a woman from Guido's childhood. Kate Hudson brings a lot of spunk to "Cinema Italiano" and Penelope Cruz is seductive in her number "A Call from the Vatican."
My favorite, however, is Marion Cotillard. Her singing and acting in this film are heartbreaking, yet beautiful as we see her ever so faithful to her husband even though he in return is not.
I love how the musical numbers are filmed as each actress steps out from their scene into a kind of daydream and perform their songs.
And this is not just any musical, but an ensemble cast complete with A-list actors and top-notch talent all around.
Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), is a film director in 1960's Italy known for his racy Italian films which have had a huge impact on the viewing world. But his last couple of films have been flops and Guido is feeling the pressure to make his next film, Italiano, an over the top hit. He has 10 days until filming begins, but hasn't written a page of the script.
Feeling overwhelmed, Guido tries some "remedies" to help him get back on track. He is examined by a doctor, advised by a priest, and pleasured by Carla (Penelope Cruz), his mistress. But nothing seems to give him inspiration and his slump is having negative affects on his working relationships while he tries to juggle the women in his life: his mistress (Cruz), his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), his muse Claudia (Nicole Kidman), his loyal costume designer/assistant Lilli (Judi Dench, ever so elegant), a flirty reporter, Stephanie (Kate Hudson) and his mother (Sophia Loren) from afar.
But Luisa is getting tired of not being the lead woman in her husband's life and Guido risks losing not only his marriage, but his film career all-together.
The movie, which was directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago) is full of outstanding choreography and musical numbers. Each of the actors can really sing; even Daniel Day-Lewis has a charming singing voice. We've heard Nicole Kidman's velvety voice before in the movie Moulin Rouge and Fergie's vocal range is incredible as she belts out "Be Italian" as Saraghina, a woman from Guido's childhood. Kate Hudson brings a lot of spunk to "Cinema Italiano" and Penelope Cruz is seductive in her number "A Call from the Vatican."
My favorite, however, is Marion Cotillard. Her singing and acting in this film are heartbreaking, yet beautiful as we see her ever so faithful to her husband even though he in return is not.
I love how the musical numbers are filmed as each actress steps out from their scene into a kind of daydream and perform their songs.
The movie drags on a bit and though the singing and acting are superb, the film lacks a bit of excitement and flow. But it does have an old Hollywood-style feel to it, and I do like that.
If you liked Chicago, you will like this film as well, and it is worth it to see this much talent in one film.
Stars *****
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