Rent: Musical Analysis

Rent is undoubtedly one of the most successful musicals to emerge in the 90’s, and by far one of the most popular musicals of the 2000’s. This gritty and edgy musical tells the story of a group of artists struggling in late 80’s New York City during the AIDS crisis. Despite tackling heavy topics, such as AIDS, addiction, homophobia, and gentrification, Rent manages to be fun, energetic, and lighthearted. However, many changes were made in the film adaption, directed by Chris Columbus, which, while still an enjoyable movie, feels sadly disappointing compared to the original production. Many directorial and technical, as well as character choices took away from the overall tone and story of the film.

The directorial difference you see first

The set of the stage performance was made up of metal railings and balconies, grungy and thrown together and used. Most of the scene settings are conveyed through props and minimal set pieces. This gives the audience the ability to determine most of the set appearance themselves in their imagination. Because every location is explicitly seen in the movie, there ended up being some inconsistencies regarding the setting in relationship to the plot. Angels’ funeral took place in a large, rather grand looking cathedral, which seems contradictory to the financial status of the characters (this is furthered by the film discarding Benny paying for the funeral services). Maureen and Joanne’s engagement reception is held in a formal ballroom, looking elaborate and expensive. Again, this goes against the socio-economic status of the characters, which is a driving motivation through out the entire

He says goodbye in Contact; a dramatic, beautiful, and slightly eerie tribute to the drag queen. However, neither of the song nor a corresponding scene is in the film. We see an ill Angel during Mimi’s Without You, and then he is simply dead, full stop. It leads right into the funeral scene. This, along with the majority of Goodbye Love, another powerful and emotional song, is simply done away with. The filmmakers disregard some of the most powerful moments in the entire show. Much of the most raw and genuine emotion in the performance is stripped away and it becomes much more difficult as an audience member to connect with these characters and understand their