The 1985 American musical drama film "A Chorus Line" brought the acclaimed 1975 stage musical to the big screen, directed by Richard Attenborough. Starring Michael Douglas and Terrence Mann, the movie aimed to capture the essence of the Broadway hit, which was based on a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante. The film's screenplay was penned by Arnold Schulman, with the original songs composed by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban. Released
theatrically by Columbia Pictures on December 9, 1985, the production faced the challenge of translating a beloved stage experience into a cinematic narrative.
Production and Creative Team
Richard Attenborough, known for directing films such as "Gandhi" and "A Bridge Too Far," took the helm for "A Chorus Line." His directorial vision guided the adaptation of the stage musical, which centers on a group of dancers auditioning for a new Broadway show. The film was produced by Cy Feuer and Ernest H. Martin, with Ronnie Taylor serving as the cinematographer and John Bloom as the editor. The musical score, a critical component of the original stage production, was retained with compositions by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, ensuring continuity with the source material's iconic sound.
The cast was led by Michael Douglas, who played the director Zach, and Terrence Mann. The film's narrative structure revolved around Zach's process of selecting eight dancers (four men and four women) for his chorus line. This involved a series of interviews where the hopefuls shared personal stories about their lives, their passion for dance, and the challenges they faced in their profession. The film's budget was $25 million, reflecting the scale of a major Hollywood musical production at the time.
Narrative Structure and Character Focus
During the audition process depicted in the film, Zach, from a darkened position in the audience, observes and judges numerous dancers. After initial eliminations, sixteen individuals remain. Among them is Cassie, a former lead dancer who once had a romantic relationship with Zach. Having not worked in over a year, Cassie is desperate to join the chorus line, even though Zach initially questions her ability to blend in due to her past experience as a star.
The director encourages the remaining dancers to open up about their lives, leading to revelations about their beginnings in dance, their families, and personal hardships. One poignant moment involves Paul, who recounts his childhood experiences and his first job at a drag cabaret. His story, including his parents' reaction to his sexuality and drag performances, elicits compassion from Zach. The film culminates in Zach selecting eight dancers: Val, Cassie, Bebe, Diana, Mike, Mark, Richie, and Bobby, who eventually perform the iconic number "One" in identical costumes, joined by those who were cut, their reflections emerging from a mirrored stage backdrop.
Critical Reception and Box Office Performance
Upon its release, "A Chorus Line" garnered mixed reviews from critics. Despite the popularity of its source material and the involvement of a respected director and cast, the film struggled to replicate the universal acclaim of the stage musical. Commercially, the movie grossed $14.2 million at the box office. This figure fell short of its $25 million budget, indicating a challenging financial performance for the adaptation. The film's reception highlights the inherent difficulties in translating a live theatrical experience, particularly one as intimate and character-driven as "A Chorus Line," to the cinematic medium.
