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"Chicago" and the ol' razzle dazzle
By Amanda Caldwell | "Chicago" is about two women who are jailed for murder. To talk about the meat of this movie, I have to refer to a line near the end and allude to certain plot elements along the way; if you want it all to be unexpected, you'll want to read this review after you've seen the movie. If you already know the basic plot or don't mind fewer surprises, read on. Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), half of a popular sister act, shoots her husband and co-star when she catches them doing acrobatics together. Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger), who aspires to Velma Kelly fame, kills her own faithless lover. They both await trial and vie for the attentions of a hotshot attorney (Richard Gere) and the protection of the prison matron (Queen Latifah). All the actors do a convincing job singing and dancing, which was more surprising in some than others.
The movie is based on the 1970s Broadway musical (recently revived), which followed a 1942 movie comedy and a 1926 play, all of which derived from the story of the true Roxie Hart, who did indeed use a slick lawyer to grease her way through a trial. This film version does a wonderful job with the musical and dance elements by staging them as Roxie's own machinations of mind. Her inner world is a vaudeville stage where she's the star and all the people in her life are playing their own entertaining parts. What you can do in a movie that's impossible on a stage is to juxtapose the performing characters in their stage makeup and costumes (or lack of -- underwear is a favorite choice of raiment) with shots of the characters in real life, such as in their prison garb shuffling cards or in a suit waiting in a lawyer's office. As the performers whirl across the stage and deliver their solos, what their character is doing in real life offers contrast, sometimes craftily ironic. For instance, Richard Gere's character, Billy Flynn, sings a heartfelt "Keep your money ... . All I care about is love," dressed as a shoeshine boy and surrounded by beautiful girls, while his true-life lawyer self gets measured for a custom suit, snaps at his staff, and spurns poor clients.
The movie is filled with humor, but it's mostly an uneasy sort. The clever lyrics make you want to laugh; what they're talking about makes you cringe. This ranges from the catchy "All That Jazz," where you want to sing and dance along to "I'm gonna rouge my knees and roll my stockings down," and then you think, first of all, why you'd want pink knees, but secondly, that this sparkling ditty is recommending moral abandonment and is being sung by a murderess. Then "The Cell-Block Tango," for instance, details how the six women on murderers' row offed their lovers (or sister, too, in the case of Velma Kelly). The descriptions are witty and fast-paced and interwoven with mesmerizing dance moves. One wife couldn't stand her husband's gum-smacking and "fired two warning shots ... into his head"; another found out her boyfriend was currently married, to several other women. And, of course, Velma and Roxie's stories we already know.
Roxie's murder of her lover, Fred, was played straight earlier in the film. In that scene, Roxie learns Fred has lied about talking to a nightclub owner about putting Roxie on stage. When Roxie confronts him, Fred callously dismisses her distress, saying she was worth getting into bed but now the fun's over. When she turns clingy and pleading, Fred flings her against the wall. I was firmly on Roxie's side as she slides down, shocked and pitiful, crying, "You lied to me. You lied to me." As an audience member, I was thinking, "What a creep this Fred guy is! Come on, Roxie, don't just whine; stick it to 'im!" And then she pulls out a gun and shoots him in the chest. My first reaction was an uncomfortable mix of horror over Roxie's immoral and illegal revenge but also satisfaction that this jerk had gotten what was coming to him, and that he knew, right before he died, that he had done wrong and was paying for his misdeeds.
So when "The Cell-Block Tango" murderesses croon persuasively, "He had it coming. He only had himself to blame. If you'd have been there, if you'd have seen it, I betcha you would have done the same," and insist that "it was a murder but not a crime," it's hard to remember whose side you're on. Such sentiments speak to that very human desire for justice, and to the desire to forcibly create justice if none is to be found. This is why God has to spell it out: "'It is mine to avenge. I will repay,' says the Lord." That's why in his Law he laid out finite punishments for crimes -- an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth -- to prevent reckless escalation of retaliation. That's why Jesus' revisions to turn the other cheek, to give double what is demanded, still seem so radical and bizarre.
"Chicago" confuses our sense of right and wrong, justice and injustice, and then it goes even further. At the end, Roxie thanks the audience at her show. "We couldn't have done it without you!" she enthuses. In one sense, she's talking to the 1920s vaudeville crowd whose money is financing her dreams, made possible by her notoriety for having killed someone. The crowd is there precisely because she's a scandal, and they applaud and pay her, thereby endorsing her crime, indirectly.
But the line is also, presumably, to this movie audience. We, too, paid money to see a show about a murderess, and we're enjoying the whole song and dance.
It's hard to know what to make of this, whether we're supposed to be disgusted with ourselves? shrug our shoulders and say, "That's how it goes"? give in gladly (or resignedly or thoughtfully) to the sensationalistic bent of human nature? That would be the same human nature that brought medieval crowds to burnings and modern crowds to glue themselves in front of a TV and watch a white Bronco SUV in flight from a cortege of police cars. I'm not even sure "Chicago" is trying to get us, after the fact, not to revel in gore and human failings; after all, the movie as a whole is mostly upbeat and, yes, entertaining. I doubt the studio wants us to demand our money back.
Whatever the message, humans will keep paying to be entertained. As Roxie coos in one of her performance daydreams: "I love the audience. And the audience loves me for loving them. And I love them for loving me. And we just love each other. That's because none of us got any love in our childhood. ... And that's show biz, kid." And Billy sings, "Give 'em the old razzle dazzle. ... How can they see with sequins in their eyes? ... How can they hear the truth above the roar?" There's "Chicago" for you -- with very little love and a twisting of truth, it's disturbing and funny and feather-light. That's show biz, kid.
heather
john bardell
Steve Lansingh, editor
Beth Ringsmuth
Amy Struxness
Gerald Moore
Erin
Steve Lansingh, editor
If the movie were about singing and dancing abortionists, I wonder if people would have found it so enjoyable.
Additionally, I must disagree with some of the readers' reprimands above. It's not "holier than thou" to consider a subject thoughtfully. And it's not the job of a thinking Christian to kowtow before the opinions of everyone else. You may read our mission statement to get a better idea of what we're trying to do here.
Laura
Jeffrey
I know a lot of people who enjoy McDonald's too, and frequently recommend that
I join them there for a meal. Hey, I get cravings for McDonald's all the time,
and sometimes I give in... but when I stop and think about the crap I'm eating,
I suddenly regret my decision.
"Chicago" is full of razzle-dazzle, but in the end it's all glorifying some
really nasty behavior and including the audience in the blame. Then it shrugs and
says, "Ah well... that's life. Might as well enjoy the ride." Sorry... I prefer
more nutritious entertainment. (I certainly wouldn't call this "art.")
Anyway, GOOD WORK AMANDA!
For more ranting, my review is here.
Russell Lucas
I enjoyed the film. I thought the singing and dancing were extraordinarily
well done.
Still, I share some of your reservations, and I'm glad you pointed them out.
To some degree, I thought the complete lack of sympathetic characters and moral
comeuppance in the film could be justified by its satiric point of showing how
we empower amorality. I do think that we, the viewers of celebrity trials and
reality television, invite and beg the "performers" to flout and forego the
moral codes we supposedly hold dear. The problem with this point being driven
home with a movie like "Chicago" is that just as the jury is razzle-dazzled and
distracted from the real issue, the audience is razzle-dazzled away from seeing
the supposed underlying satire.
Beyond that, it's clear this movie is getting way too much critical praise and
awards attention. Sure, it's fun and catchy and enjoyable on a few levels, but
it's hardly transcendent or thought-provoking or haunting or evocative of
anything apart from appreciation of a good song and dance. I prefer to see movies
be lauded and awarded which can give me something new to appreciate and think
about every time I see them. Chicago is just entertainment. We should reserve
our highest praise and honor for something more.
Good job, Amanda.
Tim Hayward
Matt Oquist
Also, excellent responses to the naysayers, Steve. I deeply appreciate the
work you guys do on this site.
Vincent Brown
Maribeth Jones
Whether it is a "real" Biblical testimony is irrelevant.
Can't people just be entertained and have their values left intact?
Yes, they can, even if the idea scares you.
I thought FAITH was the basis of belief. Where's yours?
Dave
Jeff Diaz
Jenny
Jim B
Katie
Ed.: A 2-disc special edition DVD arrives on August 19, 2003, and includes a Queen Latifah song cut from the theatrical release.
Rich
Use the form below to give feedback on this movie, or to respond to this article. Remember, we want to hear what your opinions are, not just why other opinions are wrong. Comments will be posted within 48 hours.
READER RESPONSES
i can't say that i agree with the idea that this movie is
"feather-light." ... i thought it was incredible...just my 2 cents.
Should Chistians be watching this type of movie at all. In what way
does it edify?
The whole point of this site is for Christians to converse about the art of film and examine what it has to say about humankind and spiritual concerns. That process is always edifying, even if a particular movie, taken in isolation, is not.
Christians can enjoy almost any type of entertainment. It doesn't mean
we condone any of the real life events the entertainment is based upon. Good
rule of thumb: musicals about murder = fun, real murder = not fun.
There are alot of othermore important things to address, rather that
simply picking on this amazing show. Ok, so they kill people, but what makes
this any worse than the Dixie Chicks' "Earl Had To Die"? Isn't it the same
concept. I, for one have a very broad range of appreciation for the arts, and I
think that everyone should. However, I also appreciate your firm Christian
comments... so keep up the good work, but lets not be "holier than thou"!
I totally enjoyed the movie, I enjoyed it just as it was, a lot of
great singing and dancing. Movies are meant as entertainment, just because it's
based on an old murder case, doesn't mean that I can't enjoy it. I don't
support murder, but I support good movies, and I think Chicago is a totally great
movie. Everyone I know is seeing and enjoying it.
I really liked the movie.. it wasn't actually trying to say go out and
kill somebody to become somebody, it was just supposed to be fun. I think that
while it's nice to get the word out on this. maybe you should listen to other
people's opinions as well before judging this movie.
Hey, I thought it was fun, too. But weren't any of you bothered by the lack of anyone to be happy for? Roxie's husband is the nicest character, and he gets stomped on. Everyone else is manipulative, trying to turn the tables to their advantage. The dancing and the singing were fantastic, and I had a good time, but it was a bit of a letdown that movie felt so bereft of hope.
I loved this movie- the lights, the color, and the glimpse of the
culture in Chicago at that time. The songs were catchy and the dance was fabulous!
It was not advocating murder- just showing that the public loves a good story,
regardless of whether or not the accused is guilty. I thought Chicago was the
best movie I've seen in a long time and would highly recommend it to anyone who
loves a good story, great music and wonderful dance.
Amanda, I completely agree with your review. It seems like a fun
escapist film... until you actually start thinking about it.
Great review, Amanda!
This is my first time viewing this site. I am quite impressed with the
reviews and thoughts in response. I think I will check back on a regular basis.
Sometimes, time constraints of ministry prevent me from going to the theatre
and I have to wait for the DVD to come out to rent. So I haven't seen this movie
but my eldest daughter has told us: "It's great! See it!" After viewing this
site, I am further intrigued. Even though I haven't seen the movie, I am
responding to a response as well because I believe we Christians deserve to be
entertained and we also have a responsibility to keep up with what is being presented in society. As Christians, there is no room to be easily offended, but witness to our faith, in such a way that we can faithfully respond with integrity and knowledge in the ways Jesus did. Thank you.
Good work, Amanda. I think you described the highs and the lows very
effectively, and for those willing to forego some surprise, you've paved the
way to understanding and measured appreciation.
I am not a Christian. But I still find movies like this to be
remarkably immoral and distasteful. I wish that there were more people, both
religious and a-religious, who believed as I do.
This film is based on a story based on real events that happened during a real
time, the 1920s in a real city, Chicago.
If you pay close attention to the lyrics, the movie's really about
taking advantage of other people, manipulating their feelings, using them for your
own purposes, believing your own lies to get over whatever/whomever it is,
revenge and cheating. Just read 'em between the lines. The whole "dancing" and
"acting" is just a way to deliver the true message behind the movie. See how all
the girls treat their hubbies, but along comes the lawyer (Gere) and ALL the
girls somehow want a piece of him. Same goes along with the doctor scene. Check it
out.
People...pure entertainment is a movie like Gladiator...this at least
attempts to get close to exploring the depravity in all of us...especially
those of us who root for the villians to win...and that i think is enough to think
about...just because it is haunting (a.k.a Secrtary) doesn't make it any more
award winning...and vincent...i'm not sure i even want to know where you're
coming from...legalism in any state...Christian or not...is stupid...
Shame on anyone who thinks this movie is harmless and just fun to
watch. At what point does a movie become offensive or inappropriate? We should
try and rise above the slime and slutty (which is all this movie was based on,
and be a BETTER PEOPLE. God's people. Would Jesus sit and enjoy one minute of
this movie? Well, based on the fact that the opening scene is glorified
adultry, I would think not. And if we are to be true disciples of Christ we would not WANT to watch this sort of "Entertaining" Immorality. Which amounts to nothing
more than becoming descenstized to filth. Is it worth being entertained at the
cost of our spirits taking a beating with the visual stimulation of adultry,
cheating, lying, murder, and glorified fame and fortune. And to thoes people who
are thinking "woah,holier than thou"...I hope I could be so blessed to be
viewed as holy in the sight of my God.
As a career prosecutor, I found myself smiling and nodding my head
throughout the scenes where Billy Flynn revealed the circus that a jury trial can
be (and often is). We laugh at satire only because we see the kernel of truth.
Overall, my work is deeply satisfying -- personally, spiritually and socially
-- and I have been successful more often than not. However, I am constantly
disgusted by the game-playing, emotional manipulation and borderline ethics that
are the stock and trade of many criminal defense lawyers during a jury trial. I
have to remind myself that, whatever the outcome, there is and will be ultimate
justice, and an ultimate Judge.
When does it come out on DVD?
I think they are all great actors but Roxie's husband was the best
singer in the whole film. His song "Mr cellophane man" created a good moral break
from all the glitz and helped redeem the film to a certain extent. He just
seemed to stand out and make me think outside the square. His character and
motives are quite transparent to the others, albeit futile. He kind of reminds me of
a convicted Christian seeking redemption.