The Cinema Hog: From Stage to Screen: A Look at Musical to Film Adaptations

This is for all you theater kids out there. The idea of musicals on stage being reimagined for a film is not a new idea. It has been done for centuries and has made people either awed to be back in that musical’s world or complaining that a song or story plot is not there. From hearing the people sing the song of angry men, to sometimes having to be a little bit naughty. These are the musical film adaptations that got the closest and that captured the essence of the musical. Before we start these are my honorable mentions and some that did not make the cut and why.

CHICAGO - Close to making the list and All that Jazz

Newsies - That ain’t news no more

Hamilton - Purposely throwing away this shot

Mean Girls - One way or another I’m gonna discuss it

Cats - Not worth my time or yours

Rocky Horror Picture Show - Not much to say

Fiddler on the Roof - So good it’s Tradition 

Matilda The Musical (2022)

When looking back at musicals that eventually came to the big screen, people often think Matilda is one of them. For a while, it wasn’t true due to the fact the musical was based on the movie Matilda released in 1996. However, since 2022 there has been another film adaptation of the Roald Dahl story, but more based on the musical. Matilda The Musical, released in 2022 by Netflix, was mostly the story of the Broadway musical adapted to film. Originally just released in Europe, this film was seen as one of the best adaptations of a musical to a movie. The story follows a young genius girl named Matilda, who is neglected by her parents until they have to send her to school. The school being a literal prison for kids headed by the terrifying Ms.Trunchbull played hilariously by Emma Thomsen. The movie follows the show number by number with the addition of new songs that actually help move and explain the plot more. Unlike some adaptations, I’m looking at you Les Miserables, I’m coming for you soon. Anyway, the film, as much as it does add, also takes away. I remember when I did this musical in 2019, I played the brother of Matilda; Michael. Who was completely absent from the entire 2022 film. Not to say his role in the story was completely useless, but he did bring some laughs and reassurance to Matilda that her family life is that bad. The film impressed me with its talented actors in each role. Especially the ensemble and side characters. They gave it their all with what they were given and made their mark on this production. I think the casting for this film was almost perfect and they clearly did not go for casting known actors and rather actors that would actually do a great job with what they were given. I think that is what all musical to film adaptations should be doing. 

Les Miserables (2012)

As foreshadowed before in the Matilda segment, here we are. Les Miserables is one of the best if not the best musical of all time. Originally a late 19th-century novel about the uprising in France known as the June Rebellion, and the convict Jean Valjean as he tries to navigate and redeem himself in the eyes of god while being followed by Inspector Javert who is keen on sending him back to being a slave. Originally a critical failure, the story was not considered the classic it is today until the 20th century when many adaptations were being made of the story. Whether it be games, TV specials, and of course, a musical. This musical adaptation of the novel was highly praised for its awe-inspiring music, tones, and imagery of the June Rebellion. So much so that in 2012, a film adaptation of the musical was released. This version is widely considered the single strangest adaptation of a musical to film. The story of the movie is exactly the same as the musical, following ex-convict Jean Valjean played by Hugh Jackman? While after escaping porale is being followed by Inspector Javert played by Russel Crowe. Now, Russel Crowe in this role is one of the main points brought up about this adaptation. Not for being a good thing but for being very odd and sometimes irritating. His singing is flat, dull, and has zero depth for a character like Javert. As far as the other characters, the one I love to talk about in this movie is Fantine played by Anne Hathaway. Her short but important role in the show could not have been acted and sung better than by her. Her emotion and acting is beyond what everyone else’s is in the movie. If everyone was at her standard, I would not be trashing on this movie. That being said, unlike Hathaway, some roles are just butchered. To go over all of them would take a very long time of writing and rewatching the movie. But this film adaptation has its ups and downs, but this critic says that it is in need of a retry with more care and dedication given by the cast and crew. 

Sound of Music (1965)

Where to begin with this? I don’t think I need to explain how popular and successful this movie was. Sound of Music released in 1965 based on the musical of the same name, is one of the greatest adaptations and musicals of all time. The plot follows Maria played by the amazingly talented Julie Andrews, as she takes a job as a nanny for the illustriastly wealthy Baron Von Trapp, played by Christopher Plummer. Maria watches over Trapp's seven children and teaches them lessons through song. To say the songs in this show are iconic is an understatement. I can guarantee you, without even seeing the musical in your life, know at least one song from this show. Whether it be the actual song or a different take on one of the songs like 7 Rings by Ariana Grande. This show’s inspiration to the making of other musicals is clearly seen through the similarities and elements found in both. There are not enough words to describe how great this movie is. Sound of Music can, in my opinion, never be remade because of how perfect this movie was.