Co-written with legendary producer Giorgio Moroder, “What A Feeling” (made for the soundtrack to Flashdance) won dancer, singer and actress Irene Cara a 1984 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Fame (1980)
★★★★ / ★★★★

Students with talent when it comes to acting, singing, dancing and playing music were accepted in New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts and those who lack such talents were rejected. The very intense audition process was only the first scene and it really showed me that “Fame,” directed by Alan Parker, was going to be a very different musical compared to the ones that have been released in the 2000s. Throughout the film, it had a certain seriousness to it. It started off showcasing naive characters who want to “make it big” but as years went on, some of them made it while the others’ dreams were crushed because they either succumbed to the pressure or they simply didn’t have that extra “thing” to make them stand out. Some of the students that the film focused on were Irene Cara (who wanted to be a singer), Maureen Teefy (who wanted to act), Barry Miller (who wanted to follow Freddie Prinze’ footsteps), and Lee Curreri (who wanted to make and play music that was different and progressive). Throughout the film’s 130-minute running time, the spotlight was eventually under each of their respective struggles and we get some ideas on what made them the way they were. I also liked the fact that none of the actors looked like typical actors or had features that most would deem “beautiful.” In fact, all of them looked kind of geeky or nerdy so that spice of realism really helped the picture to become more than another forgettable musical. As four years went by, the characters matured (while some were fixated) in both overt and subtle ways and their problems had more gravity. Granted, the pacing became a little slow (and somewhat depressing) toward the end but I was more than willing to forgive that flaw because there were a plethora of memorable scenes and fun dance sequences. I wish that Cara had more scenes, however, because I really did love her songs. I wished that the film showed more of what personal events and experiences inspired her to write. This movie’s remake is to be released this year (2009) and I can only hope that it is able to retain some edginess and realism that this one had. I also hope that the remake would not lose sight on this picture’s theses–that talent is a good template but far from enough to be successful; and those who attain fame are not necessarily safe because it’s a constant challenge to rise above the pressures. The movie’s ability to take the audiences back to the 1970s was a bonus.

Fame is back. Only this time, will it live forever?

After hitting the big screen in 1980, the original Fame spawned a generation of wannabe dancers and singers. In the wake of its success, the movie inspired a television series spin-off, romanticizing the nitty gritty of what it takes to be a performing artist. For those of us who find ourselves born without a single drop of performance talent, Fame 2009 may convince us to jump on the stage anyway and steal a bit of spotlight, even if only for a moment. As soon as the music passes or the dancing stops, sadly, we’re returned to reality and reminded that we’re only watching a film – and a mediocre one at that.

From audition to graduation day, we follow a talented group of high schoolers as they develop their crafts. You find yourself amidst a collision of the performing arts. They’ve mastered musical instruments. They sing. They dance. They are actors who give powerful monologues, invoking the art of slam poetry. They direct short films. They even rap and create beats, a nice contemporary update to the original movie. The songs are a mixture of classically infused instrumentation layered over thumping bass and electric techno.

Seasoned actors Charles Dutton, Megan Mullally, Kelsey Grammer, and Bebe Neuwirth lend their names to the film of relative unknowns. Yet their scenes are so minimal they never appear to truly convey the essence of their characters– if there is any. The one exception is Mullally, playing the same typecast funny-girl role she does in every other movie.

Naturi Naughton, arguably the breakout star of the film, has us hooked on her solo performance of the piano ballad Out Here on My Own and the Fame theme song, both originally sung by Irene Cara in 1980. But when you realize that the singing is all she’s got to offer, you find yourself disappointed that Naughton isn’t one of the brilliant actor-singer types you thought she was. Kudos to the fluid cinematography that went into making her newly acquired Bach-skills appear to be those of a piano prodigy.

Debbie Allen reprises her original role as Angela, only this time instead of being a teacher she’s been promoted to the principal of the school. Yeah, she’s in the movie, but then not really. Instead, we spend the entire time watching Kay Panabaker (CSI: Crime Scene Investigators, Disney’s Phil of the Future), Kherington Payne (So You Think You Can Dance?), Asher Book and Collins Pennie, all incredibly talented – minus the acting skills. The only noteworthy role is Paul Iacono as the off-beat teen film director.

Other than singing or playing instruments, what else are the teens (or in the case of Naughton and Pennie, adults playing teens) doing throughout the movie? In no specific order some of the highlights include a breakup, a dropout, a couple of love stories, another breakup, another dropout, and a suicide attempt. Let’s not forget about the underage drinking or the Pussycat Dolls-esque performance passed off as modern dance. PG, you say? Maybe director Kevin Tancharoen learned a little too much on the set of his previous gig, The Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll.

The kids are gifted, alright. Who knows, maybe Fame 2009 would have made it live as a Broadway musical, with fewer breaks for acting and storyline. But as a movie, Fame 2009 just doesn’t make the cut.

The verdict? No. Fame 2009 won’t live forever.

- Marona Graham-Bailey

When I was five years old, I distinctly remember going to the mall with my mom to see a movie. I wouldn’t stop raving about Flashdance, and was broken-hearted when she said, “No.” (Back then, I didn’t know it was a rated-R film inspired by the true story of a female welder/stripper in Toronto.)

Interestingly, I never saw Flashdance until I was a college sophomore. Wow, what a corny plot: Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals), an 18-year-old who lives alone in a converted warehouse, is a welder at a steel mill by day and a bar dancer at night. She shacks up with Nick Hurley-her boss at the steel mill (who happens to have connections at the esteemed dance academy she wants to attend)-trains with her mentor/coach (who ironically dies a couple days before her audition), nails her audition, and apparently gets accepted (though I’m not exactly sure because the ending scene just show her running out of the building, with a smile, into Nick’s loving arms). No wonder this opened to poor reviews. Yet and still, it was a box office smash and grossed $100+ million worldwide.

I also remember hearing Michael Sembello’s Grammy Award-winning song, “Maniac,” on the radio. (Back then, I didn’t know it was originally written about a serial killer and the lyrics were adjusted for the film.) But what I really love is its music video. Sure, Irene Cara’s “Flashdance…What a Feeling” won a slew of awards-including an Oscar and a Golden Globe-but nothing beats the scenes of Alex’s body double running in place during dance practice, those ridiculous closeups of the side of her butt cheek, or that glorious slowmo leap through the air.

As an adult, I can appreciate what the film accomplished but yep, it definitely wasn’t suitable for me as a young child.

Did you know:

The role of Alex was turned down by Melanie Griffith, and Beals beat out two other finalists (including Demi Moore) for the lead. Gene Simmons (yes, of KISS) rejected the role of Alex’s boss/boyfriend Nick, which was secured by Michael Nouri. Kevin Costner was the runner-up for this part.

Irene Cara penned the “Flashdance…What a Feeling” lyrics en route to the studio the day she recorded the track.

The music video for “Maniac” was a trailblazer, as it was the first to use only movie scenes.

Alex’s off-the-shoulder sweatshirt actually came about when Beals accidentally shrunk the shirt in the wash, and subsequently cut off the collar so it could fit over her head.

A film which looks into several teenagers lives who attend the New York performing arts High School. Remember my name . . . FAME.

“If they’ve really got what it takes, it’s going to take everything they’ve got.”

I think that is a fantastic tagline and exactly what performing should be. It should take everything out of them and they should have to put everything into each aspect of performing arts, while also keeping up there normal academic school work.

The film focuses on the lives a few of the students and how they cope with personal issues in their private lives, juggling the performance and academic sides of school and living in general. Making friends with each other and attempting to help each other through the difficult times. Can they keep everything under control and get everything sorted to have the best of both worlds?

Irene Cara is Coco and sings the very famous Fame theme, which I have to admit is my favorite part of the film. On the radio with speakers from a Taxi playing out into the streets of New York, with all of the students at the school outside dancing in the street, on top of the cars and taxi’s. It really is just a brilliant dance/music moment in film – a non-musical movie at that.

Throughout this film we see dreams shattered, limits pushed and tested with everything. How far would you go to get to your dream, and succeed? We see this in instances of a girl being filmed and how naive she was to get herself into that situation but also her wanting stardom so much she would do what ever it took.

This is not a musical, the musical version has only been really done on the stage. But it does consist of a few musical numbers, but these are in no means over the top like in a musical. It is someone performing, at times it is there way of showing emotion and how they are feeling. A release instead of talking to someone through the performance in them.

For some reason I have really struggled to write this review, I am not really sure why as yes I do like this film a lot. But I guess when it comes to writing about it I am having like a mind blank or something. Maybe I will add to this at some point in the future.

Revi ontem “Fame”, o mítico filme de Alan Parker, que consegue reunir, até aos dias de hoje,  diferentes gerações em torno da magia da música, da dança e da representação. Procurar um sonho, acreditar que tudo é possível, desde que se tente, e levar avante o que por vergonha ou medo ficava guardado na gaveta do intransponível parecem facilmente fazer todo o sentido.

Out here on my own – Irene Cara

Sometimes I wonder
Where I’ve been
Who I am, do I fit in?
Make-believing is hard alone
Out here, on my own

We’re always proving
Who we are
Always reaching
For that rising star
To guide me far
And shine me home
Out here on my own

When I’m down and feeling blue
I close my eyes so I can be with you
Oh, baby, be strong for me
Baby, belong to me
Help me through
Help me need you

Until the morning sun appears
Making light of all my fears
I dry the tears I’ve never shown
out here on my own

But when I’m down and feeling blue
I close my eyes so I can be with you
Oh, baby, be strong for me
Baby, belong to me
Help me through
Help me need you

Sometimes I wonder
Where I’ve been
Who I am, do I fit in?
I may not win
But I can’t be thrown
Out here on my own
On my own

Música: Michael Gore
Letra: Lesley Gore

SONG: Breakdance
ARTIST: Irene Cara

MODEL: Mikey Batriani
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mikey Batriani
FLICKR:

Mikey Batriani -Froggy Pimp.

LISTEN:

Well, what’s this new feeling
Coming out of the streets
Everybody’s talking ’bout it
Wherever they meet
Down by the corner
I keep getting the heat
Then my feet start moving
To the rhythmic beat

Breakdancing, break out
Breakdancing, break out

They used to do the locomotion
Do the jerk and the twist
But there just ain’t never been
Nothing like this
Now popping and locking
Is a new way of talking
Things will work out for sure
Spinning ‘out on the floor

Breakdancing, break out
Breakdancing, break out

Hearts are pumping
Beat is thumping
Love the way you’re looking tonight
Fever’s rising, no surprises
We won’t have the chance to fight

Breakdancing, break out
Breakdancing, break out

As a current fan of So You Think You Can Dance and a former fan of Solid Gold, Top of the Pops, and the original movie Fame, as well as the spin-off tv series, I was well and truly disappointed in the 2009 Fame re-make. It would have been better to stay at home and watch SYTYCD reruns. But, given the name recognition the title evokes, as well as the tie-ins with the popular SYTYCD show, I can imagine others were similarly sucked into the movie theatre this weekend – only to find that this was new version was NO match for Leroy, Doris, Bruno, and Coco.

As soon as I heard the techno-fizzed up version of the title song, originally belted out by Irene Cara in fem-power fabulousness, I knew I was in for a let down. I should have known that the movie I watched repeatedly as a kid (in rotation with Flashdance, Footloose, Saturday Night Fever, and Grease) couldn’t live up to my (admittedly nostalgic) feelings for the original.

But, did it have to be so dripping with woman are weak rhetoric? Did it have to be so bad as to make the female leads timid, under-talented, and naïve?  Did Denise’s mom have to wait until the end to stand up to her over-bearing husband and defend her daughter’s decision to branch out from classical piano? Did the stand-in Leroy’s mom have to be the typical, 3 job, stressed WOC who doesn’t see her son’s talent, cruelly asking him “Who in the world told you you were so special?!?” And did the marvelous Megan Mulally have to sing a squeaked out version of “You Took Advantage of Me,” written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers circa 1928? While contemporary music has more than its share of misogynistic lyrics, there are far more proto-political songs (and outright political ones for that matter) that don’t include ‘romanctic’ references to sexual assault.

Here are some of the lyrics from the song Mulally sang in the film:

“A mental deficient you’ll grade me.
I’ve given you plenty of data.
You came, you saw and you slayed me,
And that-a is that-a!
I’m a sentimental sap, that’s all.
What’s the use of trying not to fall?
I have no will,
You’ve made your kill
‘Cause you took advantage of me!
I’m just like an apple on a bough
And you’re gonna shake me down somehow.
So what’s the use,
You’ve cooked my goose
‘Cause you took advantage of me!
…

Here am I with all my bridges burned,
Just a babe in arms where you’re concerned,
So lock the doors
And call me yours
‘Cause you took advantage of me.”  (find full lyrics here)

I thought the song was questionably icky when I heard it at the theatre, but when I looked up the lyrics once I got home, I was truly dismayed. Ah, the wonderful way music can make rape sound so romantic!

On top of the appallingly vapid representations of females, there was not an out gay character to be found, let alone a mixed-race couple among the lead hetero-romances. Fame 2009, I am not going to remember your name. In fact, I am going to erase your existence from my memory entirely, allowing only my beloved 1980 version to sing on in my head…

“I want to learn how to fly – HIGH!”

Continuing the Fame theme from yesterday, here is the classic street-dancing scene from director Alan Parker’s original 1980 movie, performed to the sound of the film’s Oscar-winning title track, sung by Irene Cara.

You know, I’ve visited New York a few times in recent years and there’s a little part of me that’s just a little bit disappointed that you don’t actually ever see this spontaneously happening in Times Square (and believe me, I’ve looked…)

Enjoy!

Chart Position: 19

• From the film Fame which co-stars Irene Cara
• Written by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford
• Produced by Michael Gore

Uma música Brual – um filme a ver, sem dúvida.

Won’t speak much about how that is…

I just found myself humming this oldie…

The same wondering…the same emotion…

Out here On my own

Before there was a “High School Musical” One, Two, or Three, “So You Think You Can Dance”, “American Idol” and “Glee”, there was the little movie that was a blueprint for them all, “FAME”! This 1980 musical, featured a cast of unknowns, who chronicled the lives of a group of students attending the High School of Performing Arts in New York City. It showed what it takes for young talent to pursue an artistic dream in a world filled with bores and whores.

“FAME” was not only a number one film around the world, it spawned a TV series “The Kids from Fame” that ran between 1982 and 1987…and the remake opens this weekend. I’ve only seen short preview clips, but I’m positive the world won’t be disappointed by what looks like a long MTV music video.

The musical glue that holds each of the franchises together is the Academy Award winning theme song “Fame” by my pals Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore, which I still consider one of the most inspiring anthems ever written!

When I asked Dean about the whole experience he said, “The idea behind “Fame” — that the journey to artistic expression and fulfillment has many, many routes — is timeless; it’s wonderful to know that the very material that excited and inspired me and Michael Gore twenty-nine years ago (!!!) can still fascinate a new generation.”

As I watched Irene Cara sing “FAME” from the first film again…I thought about all the hits Dean Pitchford has had in his career and decided to put together THE DEAN PITCHFORD VIDEO JUKE BOX

Now here are his hits including “FAME” and “FOOTLOOSE” in no particular order…

copyright 2009 by Artie Wayne

FOR THE STORY BEHIND “FOOTLOOSE” http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/celebrating-the-25th-anniversary-of-footloose-and-genghis-cohen/

To reach Dean Pitchford http://www.deanpitchford.com/

BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB http://artiewayne.wordpress.com

In honor of the new Fame movie coming out Friday, I thought I would put one of the best numbers of the original “Fame” on my blog. The song is “I Sing the Body Electric” and it is the finale to the 1980 film.

To celebrate the opening of the movie musical Fame, Great Friends Greetings is running a special discount on its unique line of custom printed greetings from Fame stars past and present; a perfect gift for any fan of the iconic film.

Visitors to www.greatfriendsgreetings.com can create a beautiful personalized greeting from Naturi Naughton, who plays Denise in the Fame remake opening September 25, or Irene Cara, Coco in the original 1980 version.

A discount of 10% is available through September on cards from Naturi and Irene via the code: famennic.

At Great Friends Greetings, the card is the gift – a wonderful keepsake: customer created personalized greeting cards from top stars. Select a spectacular 5×7 of Naturi or Irene for the front and compose a perfect message for your recipient for the inside. You can also identify yourself as the gift giver on the back. Great Friends Greetings will supply Naturi or Irene’s signature to your message, custom print the card and ship it anywhere in the world in a protective mailer so it arrives in perfect condition.

Send good wishes from Naturi or Irene to your best friend or special someone. Enjoy creating your special greeting…. and have a great time at Fame!

In addition to the Michael Jackson ‘This Is It’ trailer, the VMA’s also premiered the new video for the Fame 2009 version of ‘Fame’.

I have previously posted on the 2009 movie here, but HAD to share the new version/video for the titular ‘Fame’ on my blog, as I absolutely love it!

Of course, it’s not the original (and amazing/iconic) Irene Cara track, and I like how they’ve moved away from it slightly in the new stylings on the song – it’s gutsy, punchy and has me chair dancing already!

VERY VERY EXCITED NOW!

Please click here for my review of the film.

*********************************************************************

Did you know that I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT FAME 2009!!!!!! ?

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that, despite my adulation for musicals, I absolutely abhored ‘original’ Fame. Having seen the film and various musical theatre productions of it, it has never grabbed me, and I would never have chosen to sit down and watch any version of it if I’m honest.

Saying that, I fully do appreciate what Fame did for the genre back in the day and would still say that it was pretty ground-breaking stuff, it is just not to my taste is all.

And remake or no remake, nobody will ever beat Irene Cara’s title song for the original film and the NY street sequence, and I really do hope that the new film doesn’t try and immitate that scene. (I also wonder if there is anyone alive who can actually say ‘Fame’ and not sing it 80s style heh!)

Cue the Fame 2009 re-invention, and, perhaps surprisingly, my building excitement for the film!

NB – Please have a look at my later blog post for the new official video for the song ‘Fame’ – it’s pretty awesome and everything that I had hoped it would be!

They seem to have dragged the story and themes explored right up to date, and made a ‘grown-up’ High School Musical’-esque film – hurrah!

“A reinvention of the Oscar-winning hit film, Fame follows a group of actors, singers, dancers and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame…the kind that only from talent, dedication and hard work.

“In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, plagued by self-doubt, each student’s passion will be put to the test. In addition to their artistic goals, they have to deal with everything that goes along with high school, a tumultuous time full of schoolwork, deep friendships, budding romance and self-discovery.

“As each student strives for his or her moment in the spotlight, they’ll discover who among them has the innate talent and necessary discipline to succeed. With the love and support of their friends and fellow artists, they’ll find out who amongst them will achieve fame.“

Fame 2009 is due to his cinema screens worldwide on 25th September 2009.

I am also pleased to report that the film also has some totty courtesy of Paul McGill and Asher Book:

Asher Book

Asher Book

Paul McGill

Paul McGill

Não, eu não estou aqui para premiar a música. Afinal, em 1983 a contribuição de Giorgio Moroder, Keith Forsey  e Irene Cara para o mundo foi devidamente reconhecida tanto no Oscar quanto no Globo de Ouro.

Estou falando da dança, dos passinhos mágicos e da leveza de Jennifer Beals na cena final. Receio, porém, não fazer jus à ovação que essa cena merece!

PS1: Um clássico como esse, minha gente, só pode ser oferecido para pessoas muito  especiais – para os melhores amigos,  Zapa e Doris, pela força de todo dia (e, em especial, ontem).

PS2: Alguém já viu a ‘cara’ de Irene Cara? Cantora e atriz, ela estourou três anos antes de Flashdance, com Fame, que também tem uma música muito boa (don’t you know who I am?). Confira a performance aqui.

PS3: Vinte anos depois, J-LO  fez quase um remake de Flashdance para o clipe I’m Glad. Segundo o VH1, os produtores do clássico dos anos 80 teriam ficado impressionados com a performance dela.  Não é a mesma coisa, mas também não fez feio. O que acha?

Fame (1980) is one of those movies that makes you wish you lived in a world so filled with youthful fervor that at anytime a group of kids might break into interpretive dance and jump on a cab. 

Prizes for the best FAME gear!

When: Monday, July 27, 2009
Where: The Digital Youth Network
1050 E 47th Street
Chicago, IL 60653
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Film starts promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Donation: $3