Rent Movie Essay

Rent, by Jonathan Larson is a play that enters the life of a certain group of people, Bohemians, as they go along there journey of struggle to find love, life, and freedom. The film revolves mainly around two men named Mark Cohen, and Roger Davis. In the beginning we can see that the characters are unable to pay their rent, or even pursue a lifestyle to bring them happiness. As the plot of the film progresses we are introduced to more characters and their own individual predicaments. Their issues involved finding love, fighting diseases, grieving over the loss of friends, and forming a steady “family”. As said by Larson, Rent describes, “..a community celebrating life, in the face of death and aids at the turn of the century”. When looking …show more content…
As I explained earlier, I believe Davis and Cohen are focused on much more and seem to excite the dramatic question. Another character named Benjamin Coffin play the role of the antagonist, as he demands that Davis and Cohen (among many others) pay their rent. Coffins also briefly dates Marquez which affects Davis, and ultimately drives his actions. Marquez can be connected very closely with Davis, but struggles with her own issues throughout the film as she fights addiction and aids. Two more important characters are Tom Collins and Angel Schaunard. Both of these people serve as connections between their friends. They keep each other happy, and do their best to form a family with their fellow Bohemians. As the film progresses Schaunard dies, which creates heartbreak among the characters and almost tears them apart, only to bring them closer together. Lastly we have Joanne Jefferson and Maureen Johnson. Together they have trouble keeping a committed relationship as each one has their own …show more content…
I was surprised by much of the lighting effects. I have not been to many live plays, and with this one the light was a way to set the mood of the characters. It expressed anger when light bright, and sadness when dim. It also helped me direct my attention to a certain area on the stage, acting as guidance for where I should focus my attention at a given time. When reviewing the roles of the characters, I found that a few were mixed up. I felt as though Mark Cohen was speaking to the audience and acted as the center of attention much of the time rather than Roger Davis. Then when looking at Roger, I felt that they did not give his a larger role, he did not seem to drive the plot until near the end when he sang his song. If I had not seen the film, I would have had no idea that Davis was of much importance. By far the best character was Angel Schaunard, she hit all the right spots. Her outfits, her attitude, and even her voice sounded like that of the