|
|
 I first saw Fame probably about 13 years ago, and was earlier a fan of the TV series. The two had some rather significant effects on my life: An extreme desire to see Rocky Horror(film), the motivation to take cello lessons (TV show), and a crush on Bruno the talented loner that lasted well into my high school years (both)! But I think the thing that appealed to me the most was how well it expressed the need to have dreams. The characters had all the angst and excitement of any teenagers anywhere, only they were forced to grow up faster than most, and they had a creative outlet not available in your standard public schooling. I agree that it is not Alan Parker's best work; Ralph's descent into Freddieland gets muddled and drawn out. And I think Parker truly honed the concept of teenagers with talent in the Commitments. But this is a beautifully shot film with characters you want to see fulfill those dreams. The series kept the adrenalin but removed the pathos which helped round out the picture. I miss the film's characters. If only Bruno was still composing, and Montgomery played a jerk of a surgeon on ER, or if Ralph showed up on lawyer shows from time to time, Doris joined the Pink Ladies-hey, wait a minute.....
Unfortunately there's nothing to stand up and cheer over with Warner Brothers lack luster transfer. It's softly focused, features a bleached out and faded color scheme, excessive film grain and some minor edge enhancement. During the dimly lit scenes fine details disappear into a muddy mess of blues, blacks and browns. Skin tones are often quite orangy and there is nothing natural about the color balancing that swings wildly from total saturation in some scene to incredible desaturation, almost to the point of looking black and white or, at the very least, tonal gray, during other moments. The soundtrack is remastered in 5.1. It's dated and strident but on the whole an ample job of a vintage 80's recording.
Pros: It takes place in New York and looks authentic. Finally a teen flick with alot minorities. John Hughes would have you believe that there are only white teenagers in America. Also that the movie was not based on their hormones, but rather their ambitions and dreams, completely refreshing. Finally, a movie about kids with real problems, and not some "Molly Ringwald" problem of not having a boyfriend or boobs. Fine acting, huge amounts of energy and you wish all these people the "Fame" that they all desire so badly. Cons: Too many characters, so most are not given enough time to flesh out their characters. The movie wanders at times like the whole sequence of a kid wanting to be a stand-up comic. Dance routine in the street took away from the realism of the movie. Still recommended, and has great, if dated, songs that is a testiment to the energy of the movie.
Those expecting a big glitzy musical will be disappointed in this, the ultimate in late 70's and very early 80's young filmmaking. The honest story about performers that the film of A Chorus Line failed to be, possessing the urban edge that cheap films like Breakin' and Fast Forward, Fame has really stood the test of time in its message and mission. Seeing the film again on DVD was another eye-opening experience. Too often these films get dumped by the studios that made them in cheap packaging with no extras. Warner Brothers went the extra mile with this release. Some have said that they did it to capitalize on the new show's expected popularity -- that's bunk. This is one of those classic films that many people tend to overlook. It deserves to have this treatment and the honor is long overdue. (I do have to say I HATE Warner Brothers still sticking with those terrible DVD cases...the covers can get scratched and dented so easily!) Following the lives of several students at the NY High School of Performing Arts from Auditions through Graduation, Fame is inspirational to any performer/person even 23 years later. What I liked about this film is the 'slice of life' aspect of it. The film starts at auditions and ends at the final note of the graduation ceremony. That's it. The singing comes from a natural performance place...this is what these people do. The Hot Lunch Jam in the cafeteria, the lonely songwriter performing at a bare window, and, of course, the title song forever immortalized in the streets of NYC. The performances are first rate with many unknowns and soon to be knowns flying across the screen. What a far cry from Dr. Romano is Paul McCrane's Monty! I LOVED the cast commentary. Getting the chance to see these people all these years later and hearing their memories of their time working on this film and since is genius. I wish more studios got these kind of video/audio commentaries together. (Warner Brothers also did this with The Goonies...another treasure DVD). Alan Parker's commentary is interesting but a little repetitive. He'll say something and then repeat it several times...as if he's trying to keep talking until he can think of something else to say. Thank you Warner Brothers for doing this film justice. 23 years later it has been restored to pristine condition, you packed on the necessary features without going overboard, and you've unleashed the film at a time when we need to remember that there was a time performers didn't all look like Greek Gods/Goddesses but we still loved, listened to, and aspired to be like them for true reasons. That's why you remember their names - Leroy, Doris, Coco, Bruno, Hilary, Monty, Ralph, Lisa, even Shirley Mulhullen...
|
"Fame" is the electrifying drama/musical from Alan Parker. It follows a troupe of wanna-be students through their trials and tribulations and it positively sizzles with memorable performances, potent songs and dazzling dance sequences. Criticized upon its release, "Fame" nevertheless managed to do boffo box office and made the successful transition to the small screen, becoming one of the most talked about and watched television series of the 1980's. Remember that name, Fame!
Forget the new reality show that is scuzzing up the good name of this movie. Forget the lackluster live stage show that uses the plot as an outline for a show that is less effective. Forget Fame L.A. which never tried to be anything but soap opera. Even forget that original TV show that, while entertaining, didn't have that edge that this film has.
