A Chorus Line - Richard Attenborough

This film was the first version of "A Chorus Line" that I ever saw. Because of that, I do have a soft spot for it. However, compared to the stage show - it is a totally different beast. I think both have their merits, it all depends on what you are looking to watch.

The stage show is about an audition for a chorus line and it follows 16 triple-threats (actor, dancer, singer) from the first large cattle call audition, to the final cut. Each character in the 16 has their own story to tell, and each is taken at face value. You, as an audience member, are rooting for each one and have no idea what will happen in the end.

The film, directed by Richard Attenborough, is about an audition for a chorus line and it follows 16 triple-threats from the first large cattle call audition, to the final cut. A few of the characters have their own story, but there is also this character Cassie who shows up late for the audition (after the 16 are already chosen), and tries to see the director. He (Zach) keeps telling her to go and that he will call her later. It is clear that they know each other from outside of the audition. At one point, the cast is sent away to learn a the final part of the audition, and Cassie finally gets her time with Zach. He yells at her about why she is there, what does she want - she goes into a number about how she is a dancer and she just wants to dance. It is nothing to do with "them". Even though she wasn't there at all through the whole audition, he still gives her a chance while also trying to convince her that she is too good for the chorus. That she is special. She replies that every single person on stage is special (even though she hasn't heard any of their stories, or songs), and when one of them falls and is injured - she gets the job.

Now - two very different stories told via the same basic framework. If I had my choice, I feel that the stage show makes a more cohesive show and is more interesting as you get to know the characters better. The film, as gorgeous as some of the lighting and cinematography is, is simply not as good. It focuses too much on the Cassie/Zach relationship, and it keeps cutting from some of the main songs to show Cassie sitting backstage remembering her life.

To clarify, the dancing in both mediums is very good. Clearly I prefer stage dancing to film as you can watch and see the whole body instead of the close-ups that you get in film...unless it is filmed by Fosse, or another dancer like Astaire, or Kelly. The finale for both mediums is also great as the song "One" is just a great number. With the film you have a chance to pull back and see all 30 some folks who originally auditioned come on stage for the final number - but size isn't everything.