🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Richard Attenborough
- Genre: Drama, Music, Musical
- Release year: 1985
- Runtime (length): 1h 58min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (12K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 38%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A bunch of stressed dancers spill their life stories to a mean guy in the dark for a chance to wear sparkly costumes and kick their legs in sync, or something.
🍿 A Chorus Line: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Audition Begins
The film opens with a large group of dancers auditioning for a new Broadway production. They endure a rigorous audition process led by Zach, the demanding director, and his assistant, Larry. The dancers perform a series of challenging routines, and many are quickly eliminated, raising the stakes and tension for those who remain.
Personal Stories Emerge
As the audition progresses, Zach asks the dancers to share their personal stories. This leads to a series of monologues and musical numbers where the dancers reveal their motivations, struggles, and experiences that led them to pursue a life in dance. These stories range from humorous to heartbreaking, providing insight into the diverse backgrounds and dreams of the performers. Themes of self-doubt, perseverance, and the sacrifices required to succeed in show business are explored.
Cassie’s Return
Among the auditionees is Cassie, Zach’s former lover and a once-promising Broadway star who is now trying to revive her career. Her presence creates tension as Zach questions her decision to audition for the chorus line, believing she is too talented for such a role. Cassie pleads with Zach to give her a chance, leading to emotional confrontations and showcasing her determination to continue performing despite her past setbacks.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Zach (Michael Douglas): The demanding director and choreographer who puts the dancers through a grueling audition process.
- Larry (Terrence Mann): Zach’s assistant who helps run the auditions.
- Mark (Michael Blevins): One of the auditioning dancers, sharing his experiences and aspirations.
- Morales (Yamil Borges): A resilient dancer auditioning for the chorus line.
- Cassie (Alyson Reed): A veteran dancer and Zach’s former lover, now auditioning for a chorus role.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Zach: “Okay, let’s go. From the top. Five, six, seven, eight…” – Opening of the audition, sets the brisk tone of the competitive atmosphere.
- Diana: “What’s to tell about the Bronx? It’s uptown and to the right.” – Diana’s sarcastic response when asked about her background during the personal interview segment.
- Diana: “Who knows? I’m Puerto Rican. We jump around a lot.” – Diana’s humorous, self-deprecating answer when asked why she started dancing.
- Cassie: “I need the work.” – Cassie’s simple, desperate plea to Zach, highlighting her fall from stardom.
- Company: “What I did for love…” – The poignant and reflective chorus expressing the dancers’ dedication and sacrifices for their art.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $27,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $14,202,899
- Worldwide Gross: $14,203,951
💥 A Chorus Line Reviews
Personal Review
I saw ‘A Chorus Line’ wanting to love it, as I’m a huge fan of musicals. The dance numbers had energy, but the character development felt rushed. Michael Douglas was OK, but he didn’t quite capture the intensity of the stage version, in my opinion. The ending was great and made me feel like I had to stand up and applaud. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, but I wish it had explored the dancers’ stories more.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of musical theatre”
- “Viewers interested in behind-the-scenes stories of Broadway”
- “Those who appreciate dance and performance”
- “People seeking character-driven dramas”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mature themes”
- “Some language”
- “References to sexuality”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Attenborough’s ‘A Chorus Line’ sacrifices the stage show’s intimacy and energy for a glossy, unfocused spectacle. Douglas is miscast, and the choreography feels oddly detached. A disappointing adaptation that fails to capture the heart of the original.
- The New York Times: “While technically proficient, ‘A Chorus Line’ loses the grit and emotional depth of the Broadway production. The focus on the director’s romantic subplot dilutes the power of the dancers’ stories. A visually impressive but ultimately hollow experience.
- Chicago Tribune: “A Chorus Line loses sight of it’s characters, shortchanging the dancers in order to focus on the Cassie/Zach relationship. It is not terrible but a missed opportunity to bring the magic to the big screen.
Audience Reactions
The ‘One’ finale was absolutely stunning and visually captivating.: Viewers praised the choreography in the finale, considering it a highlight of the movie.
Alyson Reed’s performance as Cassie resonated with many viewers.: Alyson Reed received positive feedback for her emotional range.
Overall Consensus: While technically proficient, ‘A Chorus Line’ fails to capture the emotional depth and intimacy of the stage musical, resulting in a visually appealing but ultimately disappointing adaptation.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Richard Attenborough, known for historical dramas like ‘Gandhi,’ was an unexpected choice to direct a musical.”
- “Several changes were made from the stage production, including the addition of new songs and the removal of others, which were controversial among fans of the original musical.”
- “Many considered Michael Douglas’s casting as Zach a misstep, as the character in the stage production is never seen, only heard, and his relationship with Cassie was downplayed.”
- “Jeffrey Hornaday’s choreography for the film was criticized for being too modern and not capturing the spirit of Michael Bennett’s original staging.”
🖥️ How to Watch A Chorus Line?
As of October 2024, ‘A Chorus Line’ can be found for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as content may vary by region. Unfortunately, it’s not currently available on major subscription platforms like Netflix or Hulu.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed A Chorus Line, you might like these similar films:
- All That Jazz (1979): Explores the life and career of a driven director-choreographer with a focus on the backstage world of dance.
- Fame (1980): Follows the lives of students at a performing arts high school, depicting their struggles and aspirations.
- Flashdance (1983): Features a young woman pursuing her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, with iconic dance sequences.
- La La Land (2016): A modern musical about dreamers in Los Angeles, showcasing the challenges and rewards of pursuing artistic passions.
- Showgirls (1995): Cult classic that delves into the competitive and often ruthless world of professional dancers in Las Vegas.
🛒 A Chorus Line Related Products
- A Chorus Line (Original Broadway Cast Recording): Relive the original magic with the complete Broadway cast recording. Experience the iconic songs and performances that made ‘A Chorus Line’ a sensation. Includes original liner notes and behind-the-scenes information.
- A Chorus Line – Movie Poster: Own a piece of movie history with a high-quality reproduction of the original ‘A Chorus Line’ poster. Printed on archival paper, this poster captures the vibrant energy of the film. Available in various sizes.
- A Chorus Line – Blu-ray: Experience the classic film ‘A Chorus Line’ on Blu-ray with stunning high-definition clarity and enhanced sound. Includes bonus features, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the cast and crew.
- A Chorus Line – Coffee Mug: Enjoy your favorite beverage with this ‘A Chorus Line’ themed coffee mug. Featuring iconic imagery from the movie. Made from high-quality ceramic.
🎧 Soundtrack
A Chorus Line features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “I Hope I Get It” – performed by Original Broadway Cast
- “What I Did for Love” – performed by Original Broadway Cast
- “One” – performed by Original Broadway Cast
- “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” – performed by Original Broadway Cast
- “At the Ballet” – performed by Original Broadway Cast
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘A Chorus Line’ is a musical drama that revolves around a group of dancers auditioning for a spot in a Broadway chorus line. It delves into their personal stories, struggles, and motivations, exploring the sacrifices they make for their passion.
While not directly based on a single individual’s life, ‘A Chorus Line’ was inspired by real-life stories and experiences of Broadway dancers. Michael Bennett, the show’s director and choreographer, conducted workshops where dancers shared their personal histories, which were then incorporated into the musical.
As of October 2024, ‘A Chorus Line’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Availability on subscription-based streaming services may vary.
🔥 Bonus Content
A Chorus Line – Broadway 3,389th performance finale
Ever wonder what it was like to be there for a truly historic Broadway moment? Check out this incredible finale of A Chorus Line’s record-breaking performance with the original cast and tons of alumni. Trust me, it’s goosebump-inducing!
Hamilton – A Chorus Line Celebration
Bet you didn’t know there was a Hamilton and A Chorus Line connection! The cast of Hamilton pays tribute to A Chorus Line, and it’s a really cool reminder of how the classics inspire new hits.
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