Your assessment. I'm curious about it, but it's difficult to imagine it being anything other than a Disney-fied version of history. Your tempered reaction to the show confirms my suspicions.
I was discussing this recently with a friend regarding the 2 movies that have been made about Chess Records (Cadillac Records, and Who Do You Love). The story lines mix fact & fiction, and my friend & I both wondered - if the story needs to be tarted up with made up facts, why tell it at all?
It's possible to take facts as a starting point then create something new. But MDQ tries to have it both ways, using history as a safety net when it's convenient and making stuff up when it suits them. The use of the female character is typical: Elvis did bring a girlfriend to the studio, but she was a Vegas dancer and didn't sing -- unlike the one in the show.
You're absolutely correct about starting with fact, and creating something new. I'm just not usually a fan of that. Personally, given the choice, I'll take non-fiction every time. The Chess Records movies did the same thing as MDQ. The history books would be much better served with a really good documentary.
Great post at the post today -- and sorry this is off topic on your personal blog, but please tell me there's a mad wicked reunion song coming up on glee? Please. Oh dear lord, please.
"This rockabilly musical is as wholesome as a PBS concert -- the only thing lacking is a pledge drive."
ReplyDeleteI like it...I'm not surprised.
What do you like, the show or my assessment?
ReplyDeleteYour assessment. I'm curious about it, but it's difficult to imagine it being anything other than a Disney-fied version of history. Your tempered reaction to the show confirms my suspicions.
ReplyDeleteI was discussing this recently with a friend regarding the 2 movies that have been made about Chess Records (Cadillac Records, and Who Do You Love). The story lines mix fact & fiction, and my friend & I both wondered - if the story needs to be tarted up with made up facts, why tell it at all?
Perhaps you are right Karate.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible to take facts as a starting point then create something new. But MDQ tries to have it both ways, using history as a safety net when it's convenient and making stuff up when it suits them. The use of the female character is typical: Elvis did bring a girlfriend to the studio, but she was a Vegas dancer and didn't sing -- unlike the one in the show.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely correct about starting with fact, and creating something new. I'm just not usually a fan of that. Personally, given the choice, I'll take non-fiction every time. The Chess Records movies did the same thing as MDQ. The history books would be much better served with a really good documentary.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteGreat post at the post today -- and sorry this is off topic on your personal blog, but please tell me there's a mad wicked reunion song coming up on glee? Please. Oh dear lord, please.
Alas, Cheno and Idina don't share screen time -- which is a huge missed opportunity, of course.
ReplyDelete