The Producers (2005) [HD]

Where Did They Go Right?
I remember seeing the original film of The Producers in a virtually deserted theatre and loving it. I still think it is one of Mel Brooks' best films. So I was a bit apprehensive when I heard it was being turned into a Broadway musical and then that musical was being made into a film. But, on the whole, I have to admit to enjoying it much more than I thought I would.

Much of the credit must go to Susan Stroman's stagey and somewhat campy direction, which suits the material perfectly. Even more credit belongs to the incredible Nathan Lane for managing to equal Zero Mostel's original Max Bialystock and even, once or twice, surpassing it. He is, quite rightly, the heart and soul, of the film. The rest of the cast is not bad either. Uma Thurman is a pleasant surprise, the double act of Gary Beach and Roger Bart are pure politically-incorrect joy, and even Will Farrell is good. Which leaves Matthew Broderick. He certainly comes to life when singing and dancing, much more so than...

Bump 'n' Grind
Loud, Crass, Dopey, Sleazy, Tuney, Beautifully produced and Acted and Supremely Not PC, Susan Stroman's "The Producers" comes at you like gang busters on speed.

The Singer/Actors here are/will always be identified with these parts as they have been on the Stage for the last several years: Nathan Lane as Max Bialystok, Matthew Broderick as Leo Bloom and now Uma Thurman as blond bombshell, Ulla.

The story is pretty simple: Max, Broadway producer down on his luck comes upon the idea via his accountant Leo, to produce a show that will without any doubt fail; thereby, through larceny and/or accounting tricks, make both Max and Leo a lot of money. Make sense? Not much but who cares: it's in the telling that "The Producers" is so much fun.

Both Lane and Broderick chew the scenery within and inch of its life and most of the musical numbers are fantastically staged outdoors to great advantage: the investor ladies with walkers scene is a hoot as well as Leo's...

"Oooh-wah-wah-woo-woo-wah-wah...!"
A fantastic film, made less than it could have been by the studio's inability to keep everything intact.

Now with this DVD version, it seems that everyone will have a chance to see the film version of Nathan Lane's "King of Broadway", one of the best songs in the stage production - which for some reason, was not included in the theatrical release. We also get the short "In Old Bavaria", also cut from the theatrical release. However, omitted completely from the movie is the hilarious "Where Did We Go Right?" - disappointing, as it's the only song in the musical that won't ever be seen on film (and it's a great song, too!)

Even though I'm of the opnion that Mel Brooks himself would have done a better job with the camera work; Susan Stroman does her best to direct the film, and brings a flavor of old 1970's movie musicals to the entire production (whether it was intentional or not.)

Be forewarned: After listening to the original broadway cast recording...

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