1. Chicago
The 21st Century Musical

2. Watch before answering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHFxOwbu3Sc
Bellringer
Watch before answering:
What, in your opinion, has led us to this musical renaissance over the last years? Why are more studios spending more money on musicals than ever before?

3. Musical Renaissance Musicals died down after the 1930s.
However, over the last years, there has been an explosion of film musicals. But why? What makes this genre so compelling to watch?

4. The 21st Century Musical
The 21st century musical focus is on the darker side of life. They deal with the struggles of the human race. They colors are darker, the subjects are tougher, the choreography is sharper and the music is louder.
The 21st century musical deals focus is on character development, theme, and tone.
Some examples:
The Phantom of the Opera,
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Les Miserables
Into The Woods
All of which won the Golden Globe for Best Picture (Comedy or Musical) in their respective years, with the exception of Into The Woods, which was only nominated. Chicago was also the first musical since Oliver! to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

5. Skills (define in your film notebook)
Characterization—the process of revealing the personality of a character.
Direct Characterization: When the narrator or another character tells us what a person is like.
Ex: Ms. Long is a bubbly, fun and enthusiastic teacher, but I would not call her tall.
Indirect Characterization: Requires the reader to look for clues that reveal a character’s traits and motivation.
What a character does (actions)
What a character thinks
What a character says (dialogue)
What other characters say and how they react
Ex: When the student called Mrs. Noe mean under her breath, Mrs. Noe snarled and berated the students personality until the student cried. As she gazed upon her intended outcome, she smiled.

6. Skills (define in your film notebook)
Character Motivation: A definition for character motive is the reason he/she takes a particular action. Motive, or motivation, is what drives a character to think, behave, and interact with others in a way that is specific to his/her traits.
Why does Schindler save the Jewish people?
Why does Ryan deny the soldiers attempt to bring him home when he is on the bridge?
Tone: a writer’s attitude or feelings that will influence how the reader feels about the characters, events, outcomes, or universal ideas.
How would you describe the tone of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
Saving Private Ryan?
Boys in the Hood?

7. Practice: Rent
Characters in the 21st century musical generally deal with major internal conflict. The songs develop the characters and tone toward aspect of life.
1. Compare and contrast this clip to a “traditional musical” you have seen.
2. How did La Vie Boheme develop our understanding of these characters? Answer the following questions with evidence from the video..
Where do they live?
Were they raised this way?
What is their socioeconomic status?
What do they believe in?
What do you think motivates them?
3.Tone is the attitude the writer (composer) takes toward a subject. How does the sound of the music enhance that?
What do you think the composer’s tone is in this song? What aspect of life is he commenting on?
Teachers: You may want to watch this clip before showing it. There is a tiny bit of butt and a few mature lines. I asked Amber to view it and she thought it was fine. If you do not feel comfortable with it, the opening scene works too! That link is here:

8. Chicago Released: December 27th 2002
Starring: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, John C. Reiley, Queen Latifah, Christine Baranski. Lucy Liu, Mýa.
Based on:
The #1 Longest-Running American Musical in Broadway History
Now in Its 19th Year on Broadway
Winner of Six 1997 Tony Awards Including Best Musical Revival

9. Oscar Wins and Nominations
Best Picture Martin Richards Won
Best Actress Renée Zellweger Nominated
Best Supporting Actor John C. Reilly Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones Won
Best Supporting Actress Queen Latifah Nominated
Best Director Rob Marshall Nominated
Best Adapted Screenplay Bill Condon Nominated
Best Cinematography Dion Beebe Nominated
Best Art Direction John Myhre Won
Best Costume Design Colleen Atwood Won
Best Film Editing Martin Walsh Won
Best Sound Mixing Won
Best Original Song John Kander (for "I Move On") Nominated

10. Chicago: The Story
Chicago centers on Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones) and Roxie Hart (Zellweger), two murderesses who find themselves in jail together awaiting trial in 1920s Chicago. Velma, an entertainer, and Roxie, a housewife, fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows.

11. Complete the Chicago Film Analysis Chart
As you watch,
Complete the Chicago Film Analysis Chart