GenQ - For the not so straight individual

A Chorus Line

Now on DVD

Directed by Richard Atenborough

Universal Home Video


Released in 1985, A Chorus Line the film is taken from the very successful Broadway show of the same name. There is always some hesitation when watching a move that was taken from a hit show. While I was surprised actually how much that I enjoyed this film, nothing beats watching a hit musical in a theatre.

This entire film pretty much takes place on and off the stage of a theatre in New York City. Well-known choreographer Zach, played by Michael Douglas is holding a huge audition for a new musical. Zach is tough and knows what he wants putting the dancers through the motions with force and a lot of nervous tension.

This film gives us a good behind the scenes view at what exactly happens when a Broadway show is cast in real life. The stress and the agony of knowing that there will always be dancers better than you and closer to getting that dream role just seems further and further away.

With so many Broadway shows being made into movies these days, when A Chorus Line was released in 1985 this adaptation was not well received at all. Having never seen the actual show live in a theatre, I was able to grasp what this film was trying to achieve. The music is just amazing and even if the film may not be what you expect the soundtrack is just what you would expect from a Broadway show.

Marcus Richa