Ultimately, the reason Cats (2019) didn’t work is that it never took itself seriously.
You may say “well, how could they possibly do that? The premise is ridiculous.”
Yes, the premise is ridiculous. But the show didn’t earn (at one point) the honor of “longest running show on Broadway” by simply being ridiculous.
People singing and dancing, dressed as cats, only works by suspension of disbelief.
You can’t suspend disbelief if the narrative isn’t trying to take itself seriously.
Will everyone enjoy the show, even when done right? No. There is, thus far, nothing everyone enjoys. We’re all different that way.
But this
Is not taking itself seriously.
They look more anatomically accurate and cost much more money to make, but that’s how they come across as less convincing.
Having the physical attributes. The exaggerated features to play off of is INVALUABLE to a Cats performer and their performance.
Cats (2019) doesn’t try too hard for feline mannerisms, but when they do, it doesn’t work. Why? Because there’s nothing actually there to play off of except imagination.
Imagination is a powerful thing, yes, but practical makeup, costumes, and effects are very useful. CGI is more beneficial when trying to create fully fictional or dangerous to film in landscapes. The ocean, an asteroid field, etc.
While humanoid cats aren’t a real thing, they have been created with practical means on stage for decades.
You can stack a cast until they reach the moon. You could have the absolutely most talented singers, dancers, and actors. It will all be meaningless if the overall production is not being taken seriously. Individual actors taking the project entirely seriously (Ian, Judi, etc.) will not make up for others (editing, effects, producers, etc.) not doing the same.
This absolutely goes for anything, with or without a ridiculous premise.
rebelwilson: @taylorswift absolutely CRUSHED IT tonight! And thanks to@sabrinacarpenter for being so so cool and Papa Swift for all the chats! What an epic concert! Taylor you are just incredible!!! 🐨🇦🇺🎶 (x)
@taylorswift really does have the most amazing fans! Thank you for all the bracelets and the love you show everyone! It made tonight such an amazing experience not only for me and my friends but for my 8 year old niece who was just so excited to have Taylor be her first ever concert! (x)
This truly is an ASTONISHING read. They're complaining that their blackmailing didn't work?? And they're openly bragging about their blackmailing?? They threatened to out her and when she took hold of her own narrative they suddenly feel like she ignored their "discreet, genuine and honest queries"??? Not ONE word of that is sincere, let alone factual. And all of that was "in an abundance of caution and respect"? I have to laugh. Then finishing it off with "of course who anyone dates is their business" is just the cherry on top because very clearly this wasn't the case for them when they decided to blackmail her.
Honestly all this poor excuse of an article could be taken apart linguistically to expose the malignity and ipocrisy underneath but I'm too mad right now to do it properly
The "Syndey Morning Herald" more like "Shaking My Head".