The film’s budget for special effects, costumes, sets, etc., was exceptionally greater than that of the theatrical production, so its overall aesthetic is much more polished and credible. The whole experience is immersive and the visuals impressively believable to behold. The overall effect, regardless of the magical elements, is much more realistic, and the setting looks like part of the real world, not a fictional land. Taking this into consideration, it is not surprising that the film had to alter the original plot to lighten the mood, as it is easy to forget that what is taking place in the film is not real. Its ending leaves the audience with much to process, but it is a great deal more positive than the theatrical ending. Children Will
…show more content…
No matter how it is performed, Into the Woods, like all Sondheim musicals, causes the audience to pay very close attention, as even the smallest detail could be of utmost importance. Even though it is a typically cerebral work for Sondheim, the surface plot is easy enough to follow, making it enjoyable for younger audiences as well. Through its fairytale style, it conveys an extremely moralistic tale, as any fairytale would. From stage to screen, its effect is just as great, even if it is to varying degrees. In Into the Woods bad things do not discriminate as they happen to the “good” characters just as often as they do to the bad. Although the characters are much wiser at the end, this wisdom is not necessarily viewed as a good outcome. As Red Riding Hood so aptly puts it, “Isn’t it nice to know a lot!/ And a little bit not…” The fact that it can be altered to be made more appropriate for younger audiences, as it was for the film, without its original efficacy being compromised is a wonderful feature, constructing a musical whose lessons may be accessible to all persons. No wonder it is such a popular musical. Personally, I find that both productions, no matter the different means of presentation, are equally moving and successful. It is amazing that the same musical can cause such a wide range of emotions with just a small adjustment to its content and performance. The performances both resonate with
No matter how it is performed, Into the Woods, like all Sondheim musicals, causes the audience to pay very close attention, as even the smallest detail could be of utmost importance. Even though it is a typically cerebral work for Sondheim, the surface plot is easy enough to follow, making it enjoyable for younger audiences as well. Through its fairytale style, it conveys an extremely moralistic tale, as any fairytale would. From stage to screen, its effect is just as great, even if it is to varying degrees. In Into the Woods bad things do not discriminate as they happen to the “good” characters just as often as they do to the bad. Although the characters are much wiser at the end, this wisdom is not necessarily viewed as a good outcome. As Red Riding Hood so aptly puts it, “Isn’t it nice to know a lot!/ And a little bit not…” The fact that it can be altered to be made more appropriate for younger audiences, as it was for the film, without its original efficacy being compromised is a wonderful feature, constructing a musical whose lessons may be accessible to all persons. No wonder it is such a popular musical. Personally, I find that both productions, no matter the different means of presentation, are equally moving and successful. It is amazing that the same musical can cause such a wide range of emotions with just a small adjustment to its content and performance. The performances both resonate with