AGUILERA: Cher definitely felt like my mama bear during shooting. Michelle Rodriguez was considered for the role of Tess. One thing Antin initially wanted to remove from the film, however, has since grown into one of its most iconic moments: Cher's solo number, "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me," which sees her singing a meta tune (penned by longtime collaborator Diane Warren) about resilience. CHER: It's not a surprise to me that it has been deeply embraced by the gay community. Michael Kaplan who designed costumes for the film revealed in an interview that he wanted to assign a color to Chers character Tess and actually believed Tess and Cher to be alike in various ways, especially with respect to their professionalism. CHER (Tess): I loved performing "Welcome to Burlesque" so much that I decided to recreate a version of it for my live show. The soundtrack includes a mix of original and cover songs. The film follows Ali as she fights her way from the bar to the stage while juggling a love triangle between sensitive bartender Jack (Cam Gigandet) and wealthy real estate developer Marcus (Eric Dane). it was all over the place! [29] Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter called Burlesque "a refreshing throwback to movie musicals that celebrates its stars while indulging in sexy fun" and also praised Aguilera's acting and singing. I'd put clothes in her room every day and she'd walk out combining them in a different way than I thought she would. Culpepper, Aguilera, and Antin all agreed on Cher, but the issue lay with the stars availability. ANTIN: Besides David [Geffen], her manager was also talking to her about the script, so she was very aware of it. ANTIN: [I didn't direct another film because] I guess I needed time to lick my wounds, and I was suddenly getting jobs directing commercials mostly musical commercials at first, but it opened up to all kinds. I'd told Cher that Christina loved her so much: "You don't understand, this chick would drink your bathwater!" I just learned what downstage and upstage is. The audience loves it. Surprisingly, this is Cher's first musical film. I didn't like the way it was written, and I didn't like the set. But, Christina worked so hard. This movie was on the very first episode of the How Did This Get Made podcast with guest Nick Kroll and was then revisited on the 10 year Anniversary episode number 256. In the same amount of time it takes to snap your fingers and command a "Wagon Wheel Watusi," a decade can shimmy by. I collected books, had played with burlesque style on my Back to Basics tour, and explored visual concepts and songs (including "Nasty Naughty Boy," about a striptease). That was the genesis. The film stars Christina Aguilera as a Burlesque ingenue Ali, who gets a chance to be the star of a Sunset Strip Burlesque club owned by a woman named Tess, played by Cher. Somewhere along the way, Antin jokes, the infamous "air rights" plot device found its way into the story ("It was a feeble attempt at infusing story. AGUILERA: In preparation of shooting, I worked with an acting coach. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. At least that's the sentiment you get when talking to the artists behind the 2010 musical Burlesque, a true showgirl of a studio spectacle that never got its proper due in the Hollywood spotlight. [37], Burlesque was released on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, the day before Thanksgiving in the United States; on its opening day, it came in third to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Tangled. At lunch, I went to Cher's trailer to say hi and check in. Its jazz-inspired soundtrack was released ahead of the film's release on November 19, 2010 by RCA Records and Screen Gems. Cher and Christina Aguilera in 'Burlesque', Cher, Christina Aguilera sing justice for. 2023 Oscars predictions: See who will win at the 95th Academy Awards. I got some cameras and shot the show over a few nights and edited together a little movie. In conjunction with the image of the modern, independent woman, these women were exploring their sexuality and flaunting their agency, although often in a manner directly dictated by the male gaze. After filming wrapped in early 2010, industry publications reported on-set tensions between Culpepper and Antin, as the couple allegedly clashed during production. The soundtrack received a nomination at the 54th Grammy Awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Burlesque (2010) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb AGUILERA: I had always been inspired by throwback classic pin-up art and burlesque style, essentially all things celebrating the female body and sexuality, so I was already versed in the history and appeal of this world, conceptually. Aguilera and Cher developed a close bond behind-the-scenes of the film that emulated their characters budding mother-daughter relationship in the movie. It stayed in the top five until December 10, 2010, when it fell to sixth behind The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Tourist, Tangled, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Unstoppable. Ali replaces Nikki one night to host a performance after the latter is too intoxicated to perform. Upon seeing the waitress shortage, Ali picks up a tray and begins serving. FAYE: We're working on this hybrid spectacular, live musical version of Burlesque that's going to stream and have extraordinary add-on features because of technology. It came up so much, more than anything else. Cher was on a soundstage doing a voiceover for Zookeeper. When Georgia (Hough) becomespregnant, auditions are held to replace her. I respect her talent, her no-bulls---, genuine way of saying it as she sees it, making up her own rules, and helping to pave the way for so many other women in generations to come. "I put that energy into how I really was feeling, approaching acting in the first place, which was wide-eyed and as a newcomer, who was open and vulnerable to everyones opinions and ideas, and ready to learn." I went to her house alone with just the two of us for another meeting. It was obviously an audience that loved Cher and Christina, but I was worried. The DVD and Blu-ray sales exceed one million units and have grossed $20,563,918 in the United States alone;[22] and, as of May19, 2011[update], it is the 19th highest selling movie of the year. They were becoming a popular thing, so she decided to do a bigger show at the Roxy. I played her the song, because what did I have to lose? These girls were watching it time and time again on TV, they'd watch it with their friends or their mothers or buy the DVD. I wasn't there for that meeting, and I believe Clint helped in getting her to say yes. I didn't think it was right the first time Diane played it for me. before the roles went to follow Planet Terror star Naveen Andrews. After a few days, Denise said we weren't going to need a body double. I think you should give it to someone else.' There's not a world where Christina is going to be out-danced or out-sung. Writer and burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, working at her desk, 1941. Welcome to the Quantum Realm. "I have this Forrest Gump-ian way of touching something and it becomes a hit!" It was insane. ANTIN: Directors fight for what they believe in. Cher [saw us] and went, "Ok, everybody, take five!" This was then followed by the track "But I Am a Good Girl" which was released in November 2010. Did Christina Aguilera actually dance in Burlesque? Essentially, spend money (the film was Screen Gems' most expensive picture to date) to look worn. The O.C. Show me how you burlesque! Second, similar choreography. The film marked Aguilera's film debut and Cher's first musical. Yes, the gays love it, but there's no one in town that's surprised that the gays are going to love something that Christina Aguilera and Cher do together! More meetings and many more conversations followed. Starring: Cher, Christina Aguilera, Alan Cumming Watch all you want. I'd take dailies and I'd give it to an editor to put dance numbers and scenes together like a promo reel, and I showed it to Cher to show what we'd done for the last two months while she was in Vegas. AGUILERA: I wanted to make sure Burlesque felt right before confirming, so it was important to meet Steven in person. It was a long process. "I also had to have a balance of starting out very vulnerable and wide-eyed and naive," she explained. CULPEPPER: We both had the idea of doing something that harkened back [to] old musicals from the '40s. Steven got it and achieved his vision. This is all her, working hard and being spectacular. Christina Aguilera Interview BURLESQUE - Collider The difference is, in every movie, the director isn't in a relationship with the studio. Burlesque Quotes The idea for "Express," when the girls are crawling through the vanities, we came up with that there, and the idea for the "Burlesque" letters lighting up at the end, we came up with that and using the 360 degrees of the space because it was so gigantic there. Her performance is an instant success to which Tess casts her in an upcoming show. Second, similar choreography. Their cast mate on this film, Julianne Hough, is one of the professional dancers on the Emmy-winning show. I got some cameras and shot the show over a few nights and edited together a little movie. Stanley Tucci's character smokes in many of his scenes at The Burlesque Lounge, including in the front of the house. One night after the club closes, Tess grows increasingly worried about her financiallity before a drunken Nikki shows up, accusing Tess of rejecting their long friendship. Greg: Wendy Benson-Landes . The film earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 66th Golden Globe Awards, where Cher's performance of "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me", written by Diane Warren won the for Best Original Song. She was at the Chateau with some friends and she said, "Come here immediately. To keep it strictly professional was impossible. Her performance was good and she looked great. Christina, I've never seen anyone more professional than she was. Clint heard she was there. Aguilera also gave an interview to show host Chelsea Handler to discuss the film and other subjects. Okay, so theres a movie like Burlesque that came out a long time ago and I was one of 900 writers that worked on it, and people will still ask me about my involvement in Burlesque. Culpepper felt Aguilera's deep admiration for Cher emotions complimentary to the dynamic between Ali and Tess in the film. Despite its mixed reception, the film did modestly at the box office, grossing $91 million worldwide and earning an additional $42 million in domestic video sales. Others, I lost. It stars Cher, Christina Aguilera, Kristen Bell, Cam Gigandet, Stanley Tucci, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, and Peter Gallagher, and features cameos from Dianna Agron, and James Brolin. As time went by, she felt a lot more comfortable." But, like Tess and her wise, right-hand gay, Sean (Stanley Tucci), the film's journey became all about making do with what you have and throwing a little glitter over the grease when the odds are stacked against you. Burlesque: Ali performs "Express" (HD CLIP) - YouTube I was thinking, "Ok, this is surreal. CULPEPPER: The audience it got that was surprising [after release] was the young girls who looked at these strong women. ANTIN: Especially on a movie like this, it's anegotiation with theactors, all thedifferent departments, production design, makeup, hair, the executives, the agents, managers To be clear, the studio wasn't trying to change anything in particular. One is a timely, provocative story inspired by a classic movie, and one is related to Burlesque. Despite the club's growing popularity, Tess struggles with a bank loan indicted to her owning the rights of the building. She had the best skin and the bluest eyes I'd ever seen. Antin never returned to direct a motion picture although he did find success with his commercials. [9], Cher accepted the supporting role of Tess Scali because she wanted to sing in a movie and thought this would be her last opportunity to do so. You're always against a clock, and that will always be every project's nemesis. . Burlesque (2010) - IMDb We even did a rewrite to make the character more active. One night, Ali comes across a burlesque club where Tess Scali (Cher), the club's owner, and an entourage of dancers perform an opening number. More than just a pretty face, Gypsy Rose Lee was an author and playwright in addition to being a dancer and burlesque . Jane Fonda was considered for the role of Tess. [40], According to Joey Nolfi of Entertainment Weekly, since its release the movie "inspired everything, from drag queen revues to viral internet moments". Critical reception was similarly muted, which many of those involved with the film feel was yet another byproduct of the exploitative pre-release coverage. STEWART: We were sitting in a room at her house. They hit it off great. They thought I might have something, and I smiled and told them I might. Stars You Forgot Were in 'Burlesque' - Us Weekly Little by little, the young woman discovered the life of this small world. Peter Gallagher and Cam Gigandet appeared together in The O.C. The film follows Ali played by Aguilera a small-town girl who finds her big break performing at a Burlesque Lounge. Most of the flamboyant costumes worn by Cher were her own clothes, some of which were designed by her longtime friend Bob Mackie (interview on The Graham Norton Show (2007) / 18 Dec. 2010). Clint was driven to get her on board, and he made it happen. I should've. Sign up for Us Weekly's free, daily newsletter and never miss breaking news or exclusive stories about your favorite celebrities, TV shows and more! They started the number, and. Steve Antin got the idea for this film after watching Christina Aguilera perform as a featured vocalist for The Pussycat Dolls in 2002. [21] A Blu-ray/DVD combo has been released as well. Its been more than a decade since Burlesque released and Steve Antins passion project is still considered one of the most memorable musicals Hollywood has produced. In my experience of meeting and working with some of the greatest legends, the best ones usually are that way. Burlesque is a 2010 American backstage musical film written and directed by Steven Antin. After her selfish boss refuses salary, Ali steals from him and moves to Los Angeles. In fact, Cody even opened up about how people ask her about projects she was only briefly involved with. Thanks! Cher's "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me", which was written by Diane Warren, won the award. The burlesque star, and her all-American little sister, the pin-up girl, were crucial ingredients to American pop culture throughout the 20th century. After leaving Iowa with stars in her eyes, Ali arrives at a Los Angeles burlesque lounge with dreams of taking the stage with her soaring voice. Musically, everyone anticipated Aguilera delivering natural talent. Overall, it has grossed over $30,053,366 on video sales (DVD and Blu-ray sales) in United States alone. Despite rumors, Aguilera and Cher got along well on the set and became friends. Coming Wednesday Grammy-winning divas Cher and Christina Aguilera star in this musical drama, which quickly became a camp classic. It was a very time-consuming number, but well worth it! Now, the team behind Burlesque including Cher, Aguilera, Antin, choreographer Denise Faye, songwriter Diane Warren, music producer Tricky Stewart, costume designer Michael Kaplan, and Clint Culpepper, the Screen Gems president (and Antin's romantic partner at the time) who made it all happen, have assembled to reflect on the film's legacy, recount its gestation, and reclaim the spotlight their work deserved. The "Beautiful" singer portrayed Ali, a small-town girl who heads to Los Angeles with big dreams and a dynamic voice to back up her determination to see her name in lights. But Christina quietly kept rehearsing it and trying it and working on it, and one day she said to me, "I don't need a dance double. How to Burlesque Dance: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Ali wants to audition but finds herself working at the club as a waitress. She manages to get hired as a waitress by Tess (Cher from Silkwood and Moonstruck), the owner of the club, an uncompromising woman who is also the star of the show. She unknowingly walks. That, Culpepper says, is where Burlesque found wider audiences outside the largely queer demographic that supported its theatrical run. RELATED:5 Best (& 5 Worst) Movie Musicals. But, Christina worked so hard. "'She doesnt have enough meat. It's not like we're brother and sister," to which Jack replies "No, we certainly are not."
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