She did it on the day we shot it over and over. It starred Farrah Moan as Ali Rose and Chad Michaels as Tess Scali. I had six cameras set up on a gigantic soundstage with a massive crew, and a zillion dancers around Cher that she had never worked with. Culpepper felt Aguilera's deep admiration for Cher emotions complimentary to the dynamic between Ali and Tess in the film. She came on the set with us, and thats a little bit nerve-wracking when youve done nothing in film. Ali wants to audition but finds herself working at the club as a waitress. His warm and genuine nature encouraged me to confirm, along with him interweaving so many pieces of my love for Etta James [into the script], knowing my personal passion for Burlesque [on] my Back to Basics album, and also [with me having] performed in the original Pussycat Dolls stage show at the Roxy. (2003), as Kevin Volchok and Sandy Cohen, respectively. The reason Cher accepted a supporting role in a film was that she believed this may be her last opportunity to be in a starring role where she gets to sing. Or, at least, the seemingly far-off fantasy of getting Cher who first received the script from Antin and Culpepper's friend, David Geffen to play the club owner, Tess, in her first movie role in seven years (and the Oscar winner's first-ever musical feature film). 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. Patrick Dempsey, Sam Worthington, Casey Affleck, and Jamie Foxx were considered to play Marcus. Dandy Dillinger, a 33-year-old baker and burlesque performer living in the East Village, lost both her day job and her performance career when the pandemic hit. That was the genesis. Cher was really pissed off. RELATED:10 Movies/Television Shows You Didn't Know Had Been Adapted Into Musicals. 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. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Burlesque?id=c_vDxZzPzHQA small town singer (Christina Aguilera) moves to the big city for her chance at stardom when she discovers Burlesque, a glamorous nightclub packed with dancers, sizzling musical numbers, and an owner (Cher) in need of a star. This was then followed by the track "But I Am a Good Girl" which was released in November 2010. [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. Cher was on a soundstage doing a voiceover for Zookeeper. Peter played Hank, Amy's (Mila Kunis') father. [26], Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune said, "The choicest dialogue in Burlesque provokes the sort of laughter that other, intentionally funny films only dream of generating. ANTIN: Christina had to become familiar with the entire process of acting. It was all very spontaneous. She really had my back on that song. I don't hold grudges. The show exploded. Moon Bloodgood was considered for the role of Tess. After her selfish boss refuses salary, Ali steals from him and moves to Los Angeles. I played her the song, because what did I have to lose? Christina Aguilera's first choice for the role of Nikki was Emma Stone. please have the flu! It reminded me of when I was a young girl and my mom and all her friends would put on makeup together. I had everyone that I knew calling [Steve]. I hated it. MICHAEL KAPLAN (costume designer): I wanted a modern take on burlesque with a retro feel and a nod to its history and origins. Marcus (Eric Dane), a wealthy clubgoer, becomes infatuated with Ali, who begins spending time with him, making Jack jealous. After her role in "Burlesque", in 2011 Christina Aguilera won the MSN Entertainment Award for Best Attempt at Acting. It had Cam Gigandets Jack getting into a taxi as Aguilera's Ali climbed down a fire escape and called out his name before the couple reunited. Essentially, spend money (the film was Screen Gems' most expensive picture to date) to look worn. Natalie angrily insists she and Jack never broke up though the latter denies this but asks Ali to leave. An interview with Christina Aguilera, who is making her feature film debut in the big screen musical BURLESQUE, starring opposite musical icon Cher. Ali Larter was considered for the role of Tess. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. She then performed a track from the soundtrack, the Etta James track "Something's Got a Hold on Me". Antin never returned to direct a motion picture although he did find success with his commercials. There Ali attends multiple auditions with little success. The first time I saw it in the movie was the night of the premiere, and it got a standing ovation. Burlesque. Sean: Alice, hm? These were extremely challenging to produce, with a very effective result, if I do say so myself! I didn't like the way it was written, and I didn't like the set. Second, similar choreography. Clint was driven to get her on board, and he made it happen. You know whats funny? She came on the set with us, and thats a little bit nerve-wracking when youve done nothing in film. Its story is earnest and timeless: A vocally gifted, small-town waitress, Ali (Aguilera), leaves Iowa for Los Angeles with nothing but a bus ticket and raw talent in tow. ANTIN: [I] wanted to cut that number. Ali (CHRISTINA AGUILERA) has had enough of Iowa and moves to Los Angeles where she hopes to find a job singing. One is a timely, provocative story inspired by a classic movie, and one is related to Burlesque. Aguilera performed "Express" at the American Music Awards of 2010 and "Show Me How You Burlesque" at the Dancing with the Stars finale. Part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Powered by WordPress VIP. We started on the script right away! ANTIN: Denise and Joey wanted Christina to do a difficult dance move in "But I'm a Good Girl" an extended back-attitude kick to the head. Instead of leaving, Ali begins serving customers at the club as awaitress, while Tess and Sean observe with Jack asking Tess to give Ali a chance. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown. Timing can play a big factor in balancing between album and touring cycles. Once I hit a kick pattern, she loved it, and she started rapping. 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. Now that it's taken on this cult following, Cher has a whole new audience of young girls. FAYE: The dancers were exhausted, the costumes were gorgeous, but I think some of the girls got scratches on their underarms from the jewels! I wasnt there for that meeting, and I believe Clint helped in getting her to say yes, Antin revealed in the same interview. Jack refers her to Tess for an audition but she is told to come back another time and ushered out by her assistant Sean (Stanley Tucci). She asked really smart questions. AGUILERA: In songwriting, I had to tackle both the tender moments of Ali falling in love with Jack, while also tackling the opposite energy of the up-tempo [songs] where I needed to embody and exude the powerful, sensual, and celebratory sides that encompass a woman. We camped outside of the stage and waited for her to exit. FAYE: The biggest challenge is having the time to do the work that you want to do when timing is money. CULPEPPER: Christina kept saying, "Please, Clint, get Cher! 64-year-old For the first time in a decade, she's starring in a feature film, "Burlesque". It can only be 50s burlesque. In fact, Cody even opened up about how people ask her about projects she was only briefly involved with. . EW's oral history with the cast and crew celebrates the musical's 10-year anniversary with candid secrets from the set. More meetings and many more conversations followed. like that! 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. It had boys, then the boys were gone, then it had boys and girls, but it ended up being pretty simple and beautiful. Emma Stone was considered for the role of Ali. "I have this Forrest Gump-ian way of touching something and it becomes a hit!" Aguilera also gave an interview to show host Chelsea Handler to discuss the film and other subjects. Clint always loved the idea of doing a more grounded Burlesque musical in a nightclub, not a broad comedy, and he pushed me to write the script. Her game is good. Drama Music Musical A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer. Whats happening in this Burlesque movie clip?Ali auditions to be one of the club's dancers and when she's done, she persuades Tess to take her much to the lead dancer Nikki's (Kristen Bell from Veronica Mars and Forgetting Sarah Marshall) annoyance.Click to Buy/Rent Burlesque on iTunes: https://apple.co/2BNHE2nWhats the Burlesque movie about? At Georgia's wedding, Jack appears to call off his engagement, getting drunk. AGUILERA: I wanted to make sure Burlesque felt right before confirming, so it was important to meet Steven in person. She was at the Chateau with some friends and she said, "Come here immediately. "[35] Variety observed that the film "wants to be Cabaret, but lacks the edge and historical context to pull it off. Feedback is usually caused by microphones, and since the dancers were supposed to be lip-syncing at this point, the microphones on stage would not be live to create feedback anyway. He believed in the project, but I just couldn't get my head wrapped around a story that I thought worked. 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). Cher started laughing hysterically and said, "Well, I hope that doesn't become necessary!". Kristen Bell (Nikki) and David Walton (Mark the DJ) starred in Bad Moms (2016) as Kiki and Mike, respectively. You can find her work if you want to, you know, 10 Behind The Scenes Facts About Burlesque You Didn't Know, the original ending was designed as an homage to, The Pussycat Dolls was actually a burlesque dance troupe, Antin had considered Queen Latifah or Michelle Pfeiffer, Hamilton: 10 Differences Between The Real-life Events And The Broadway Show, 10 Movies/Television Shows You Didn't Know Had Been Adapted Into Musicals, Cher had revealed during the red carpet of the films premiere, The 10 Greatest Movies About Music, Ranked (According To IMDb). [jwplayer eTtrv57w-zhNYySv2] From rehearsing with other actors to learning lines to embracing the moment and the realness of it all. When Georgia (Hough) becomespregnant, auditions are held to replace her. And that's what everyone says about the movie: It's charming, it makes you smile. She finds Tess (played by Cher) and the dancers performing Welcome to Burlesque and decides to pursue a career on stage once she meets Jack (Gigandet). [Georgia shakes her head and starts crying] Oh no. FAYE: When Cher started working on that, she wanted to work at her house with her person, meaning one of her dancers coming to our rehearsals and bringing the work back to her. 2023 Oscars predictions: See who will win at the 95th Academy Awards. [42] The movie was also referenced in the third season of the VH1 reality show RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. I have to hear everything!". What is the Hindi language plot outline for Burlesque (2010)? In the [concepting] days of "forget money," actually, either "But I'm a Good Girl" or "Tough Lover" was supposed to have a conveyor belt that people were supposed to run on while it was moving. Director: Steven Antin. [12] It was later further revised by Susannah Grant, also uncredited. Its story is earnest and timeless: A vocally gifted, small-town waitress, Ali (Aguilera), leaves Iowa for Los. The revised ending had Jack and Ali reuniting backstage at Tess' club after a fight as Jack presents Ali with the finished version of a song hed been working on. Cher and Christina Aguilera in 'Burlesque', Cher, Christina Aguilera sing justice for. In retaliation, a furious Nikki quits after she reveals to have slept with Tess' ex-husband Vince (Peter Gallagher). It's not like we're brother and sister," to which Jack replies "No, we certainly are not." And it was. The soundtrack received a nomination at the 54th Grammy Awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. Steven got it and achieved his vision. Ali runs out onto the fire escape and calls his name, and he jumps out of the taxi and climbs the fire escape to her, and they have this big, romantic kiss. While spending time with Marcus, Ali finds out about "air rights", which refers to the empty space above a building and what can be done with it. ANTIN: The movie has continued to have legs and make money, well over $100 million with a [Gold soundtrack] album. NEXT:The 10 Greatest Movies About Music, Ranked (According To IMDb), JJ Rankin is a culture and entertainment writer. I liked the idea, too. She was adorable, reading off her iPhone kind of scared with something prepared, and the songs blew us away. Distraught, Ali breaks off her relationship with Marcus. Ali Rose: If I'm not 20 times better than "b*obs for brains" over there, you don't have to pay me. We tested it with an audience, and everyone agreed reshoot it! It was a joke between us, because after I met Cher at her house for three hours with Donald [De Line, the executive producer] and Steve, we called Christina as we left. TRICKY STEWART (songwriter/producer): Christina is a real diva, and being around her and watching her attention to detail, the vibe that she gives me always made me want to make music that I consider to be "fabulous." Cher's first film appearance since her cameo in Stuck on You (2003). this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. She and Steven sat and played ideas for music, [later] she went into his office and saw all the books he'd collected on production design and photography all stuff that appealed to her. Burlesque: Ali Saves The Show (Kristen Bell, Christina Aguilera HD MOVIE SCENE) Scene City 1.09M subscribers Subscribe 6.2M views 1 year ago Despite Nikki's (Kristen Bell) attempt to thwart. Keep your legs straight while you bend and then bring your body back up, running your hands up your legs. Ali begins her audition when everyone leaves, and after performing "Wagon Wheel Watusi", persuades Tess to allow her to become one of the club's dancers, much to the annoyance of Nikki (Bell), a performer who is always late and caught drinking before numbers. 50s Burlesque By the 1950s burlesque had been clamped down on in New York. Cher revealed that, other than herself, the oldest actress in the cast was just 32 (interview with Charlie Stayt on BBC's Breakfast (2000) / 17 Dec. 2010). Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. 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). To keep it strictly professional was impossible. Both are really awesome, so, stay tuned! 8. The DVD audience didn't know the background, the budget, the controversy, they didn't know any of that. Try a leg crossover for a fun move to perform with a chair. Judy Greer was considered for the role of Ali. A few years after, we sent her the script for Burlesque. Here, that is his character's nickname for Ali. ANTIN: Directors fight for what they believe in. It did, however, win a Golden Globe, so perhaps I was wrong! See production, box office & company info. 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. Marcus calls Ali, and Sean prompts her to go out with him. The DVD has sold over 1.4 million units in the United States. He is the brother of the group's creator, Robin Antin. I can do it." The film opens in every movie version of every small town ever. I might've seen him at the party after, and I didn't thank him in the thank you speech [at the Globes]. One decade after the film's Nov. 24, 2010 release, those who took writer-director Steven Antin's vision from far-off fantasy to a dream come true all attest: The memories of the magic they experienced on set are still as vivid as they were all those years ago. When we met Cher, Christina was holding her kid on her hip, and we walked over. 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. But a campy, niche classic isn't exactly what the Burlesque crew set out to make. Meanwhile, Ali and Jack become romantically attracted. 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). "I also had to have a balance of starting out very vulnerable and wide-eyed and naive," she explained. Many fans have wondered if Burlesque used an original screenplay. It was a long process. The soundtrack album features ten tracks: eight performed by Aguilera including "Express"; and two performed by Cher which are her first original recordings in 7 years. DENISE FAYE (choreographer): I remember when Christina wrote the song to the number "Express," and the finale song "Show Me How You Burlesque," she brought me to her house with Clint and Steven, and [she started playing songs, like] "Maybe this song for this number" and "Maybe this song for the finale." If you can help us with this wiki please sign up and help us! Culpepper, Aguilera, and Antin all agreed on Cher, but the issue lay with the stars availability. In mid-2010, a melodramatic trailer that didn't match the film's tone was poorly received ("everyone thought it was going to be Showgirls," Culpepper jokes), though a second cut fared better. Lisa Kudrow was considered for the role of Ali. This was Aguileras debut acting venture and though her performance was praised, the film got mixed reviews and experienced dismal box office earnings. After filming wrapped in early 2010, industry publications reported on-set tensions between Culpepper and Antin, as the couple allegedly clashed during production. On November 19, 2010, Aguilera also gave a television interview to Ellen DeGeneres. 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. It's not like we're brother and sister," to which Jack replies "No, we certainly are not." The first TV spot premiered during the season 2 premiere of Fox's Glee on September 21, 2010. "It was always sad that it was not a good film." Dianna Agron shot her scene in just one afternoon. 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. Burlesque is a 2010 American backstage musical film written and directed by Steven Antin. What, I don't have a brain? She was sweet and said she knew about the script, but hadnt read it yet. [41] The Burlesque stage musical was supposed to open at the Paper Mill Playhouse, New Jersey, in Autumn 2020, followed by a Broadway theatre adaptation, but the plans were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CULPEPPER: When you show it to an audience that doesn't know [the controversy], it's like The Voice: you parse it down to the voice, nothing else. Genre: Musical. Musically, everyone anticipated Aguilera delivering natural talent. Still, signs pointed to a solid opening for the film against family-oriented fare at the Thanksgiving box office. ANTIN: The day we shot "Welcome to Burlesque," I'd never seen Cher do the number. If you look at that number, the amount of coverage that he was able to get, when we took it into the cutting room, it gave him so much to work with. The burlesque star, and her all-American little sister, the pin-up girl, were crucial ingredients to American pop culture throughout the 20th century. ANTIN: I actually shot the show that Christina Aguilera did with the Pussycat Dolls [years prior], but I didn't get to know her then. Aguilera and Cher developed a close bond behind-the-scenes of the film that emulated their characters' budding mother-daughter relationship in the movie. STEWART: The set had been built out on a miniature scale, then we got to see the set built out into the real thing, and they had us walk through the whole set that was being built for those numbers so we could feel the essence of what needed to happen in those scenes. So, I did. She had the best skin and the bluest eyes I'd ever seen. I don't think Steven even wanted it then! 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. Although director Steven Antin wrote the original screenplay, Diablo Cody (Juno) revised it uncredited. The O.C. Years later, fans of the movie will still find the trivia just as interesting as it was in 2010. I saw her at a party and approached her. Here you will find iconic scenes, moments, and lines from all the films, characters, celebrities and actors you love. It had that feel to it. says the actress. I remember him saying to me, I don't care about what you say, I just want to shoot the dance numbers." But it takes luck and extraordinary talent for a star to shine to the point of dazzling the public. [It's all a] normal process of making a movie. She then uses the money to buy out Vince's share, pay off the bank, and redecorate the club in her own vision. The restaurant she worked for. That, Culpepper says, is where Burlesque found wider audiences outside the largely queer demographic that supported its theatrical run. She was sweet, cool, and very casual, and she somehow made it all seem normal. Christina Aguilera made her big-screen debut alongside Cher in the 2010 musical Burlesque, and the films cast was rounded out with a few forgotten stars. The first instrumental Ali dances to during her audition is the background music from "Nasty Naughty Boy," performed by Christina Aguilera. Steven Antin's sister Robin was a member of the girl band the Pussycat Dolls. But, I think she'll outlive the cockroaches. First, Alan Cumming (plays the money taker at Burlesque) famously starred as the Emcee in the 1991 stage version of Cabaret. Steven got it and achieved his vision. I had an initial meeting with Amy Pascal and Clint Culpepper, and I said, 'I just dont think shes for me. I also had to have a balance of starting out very vulnerable and wide-eyed and naive, she explained. Aguilera performed "Bound to You" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and gave an interview and performance on Conan. AGUILERA: Cher definitely felt like my mama bear during shooting. Electra Avellan was considered for the role of Ali. 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. It's been more than a decade since Burlesque released and Steve Antin's passion project is still considered one of the most memorable musicals Hollywood has produced. STEVEN ANTIN (writer-director): My sister, Robin Antin, had a show that she created at the Viper Room [for] the Pussycat Dolls. Tell me you don't have the flu. CULPEPPER: The audience it got that was surprising [after release] was the young girls who looked at these strong women. The film follows Ali played by Aguilera a small-town girl who finds her big break performing at a Burlesque Lounge. There were many reports that circulated during the filming of Burlesque which suggested that Antin and Culpepper would have fights on set and it delayed filming. Fearing the obstruction of his prospective purchasers' view, he buys the air rights to the club's property from Tess. The Easy A actor played snarky stage manager Sean, who is best friends with Tess. I do wish our differences weren't so public. Aguilera told Collider in November 2010 that she wanted Alis character to be rewritten before she agreed to sign on to the project. Ali Rose (Aguilera) moves toLos Angelesafter she quits herbarjob when her boss refuses to pay her. Once in L.A., she tries and fails at every audition she does until one night, she finds herself unknowingly in aburlesqueclub when she hears the music on the street. At Georgia's wedding, Jack appears to call off his engagement and becomes drunk. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. It's a collaborativeart form, and the studio is writing the check, so they have opinions about mostly everything, which is understandable. ANTIN: I'd talked to a few different studios and networks about the project with my ex-producing partner, Joe Voci. She was coming out with words, going back and forth. Second, similar choreography. "'She doesnt have enough meat. AGUILERA: Every dancer moved their body in a different unique way, and it's a beautiful thing to appreciate and fall in love with dance on the personal level that this movie provided for me. It was a very good meeting. She has sold more than 30 million albums . Cher's "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me", which was written by Diane Warren, won the award. [9], In January 2021, Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue won the gold medal at the U.S. In my experience of meeting and working with some of the greatest legends, the best ones usually are that way. 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. It's unbelievable. Ho modo lanciato il con ali verso sinistra addirittura sinon puo solo urlare di impiego che razza . 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. Thanks! There wasn't anything Steven wanted, creatively, that anybody disagreed with. She was like, "This is so great!" Aguilera told Collider in November 2010 that she wanted Ali's character to be rewritten before she agreed to sign on to the project. What you don't usually have is the two people who are discussing it also able to discuss it at home, at dinner. She laughed and turned to her assistant and said, "We have a few minutes. She also added that had it been shorter, it would "have squeaked by and been a really good popcorn movie". The Golden Globes drew a lot of adverse criticism when they announced their 2010 nominations as two of the year's most critically derided films - Burlesque and The Tourist (2010) - both were nominated for Best Film Musical or Comedy. I said, "We're ambushing you. Repayment Mortgage can help you away fvrier 17, 2023. Cher [saw us] and went, "Ok, everybody, take five!" 2. Burlesque was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture [and won for Diane Warren's song]. While preparing her Hollywood debut, Aguilera was simultaneously finishing her sixth studio album, Bionic, which released in June 2010. I wanted to write Cher's "My Way." ANTIN: We opened on Thanksgiving weekend, which is generally a weekend for family movies. CULPEPPER: We [later] went out to dinner with Christina and her [then-husband Jordan Bratman], we went to her house and listened to a bunch of music and got to know each other. 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! She owned it. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. You have shown that you can dance, and you know we are not really so much brother and sister as to make it improper," to which Mr. Knightley replies "Brother and sister! Jana Kramer was considered for the role of Tess. She knew what it was, and Cher doesn't always know what the right song is. and this one she loved from day one. [9] In 2019, a full-length Burlesque tour, based on the movie, embarked, including at British venues. How come individuals court relationship where the son is a lot old versus lady? We were up against huge titles. [14], Filming locations included the exterior and adjacent parking as the "Burlesque Lounge" of the Ricardo Montalbn Theatre in Hollywood,[15][16] as well as the interior of the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana.[16].