Razzle Dazzle 'Em

The first time I watched the movie Chicago, I was in fourth grade. I have always been a fan of musicals, but once I saw Chicago, my viewpoint was completely changed. All the musicals I had seen up until that point were “cute” almost sing-alongs with chorus lines eager for their moments to shine. Yet Chicago was different, it was electric and bold. The story line was twisted, yet exciting. The songs were risky and provocative.  I was hooked. My reaction to Chicago isn’t much different from the first time I saw it, I even had the chance to see it in a live production since then and loved that as well.  So when flipping through the channels recently and saw that it was on, I was thrilled. I couldn’t wait to share in watching something that appealed to me so much, with others.

            For me, Chicago is more than just a story- it’s more than just some actors in glitzy costumes mixed with sex appeal and a few songs. It’s an experience. The first scene, to me, is one that I actually appreciate. When thinking of the 1920s, I am extremely drawn to the idea of that glamorous lifestyle. These were the days where bootlegging nobody’s had the chance to be someone and women were being revolutionized with their short hair and even shorter skirts. The world had a new pulse, a new life. People suddenly wanted more and were going to new extremes to get what they wanted. As I said, this sounds glamorous and exciting, but the reality is, that wasn’t always the case.

            With the first scene being set in a nightclub, with people everywhere, like performers and audience members, as the ever so cool Velma Kelly was being sought after, your heart starts to not beat, but almost pounce with anticipation. She quickly walks through frightening ally ways and crammed hallways into her tiny dressing room you, which assume she had once shared as the story progresses. She was the definition of fame and beauty-a lucky girl! Yet here she was, in her fancy clothes, walking  by overflowing trash cans where rats reside. Fame couldn’t have been an easy feat for her, and it must have been a competition to stay at the top. I think they capture that well as they go through the whole backstage looking for Velma, showing how many acts they had lined up to perform.

            That same theme only gains momentum as the story continues, introducing the “sweet and innocent” Roxie Hart. I think that pressure to want stardom, or even recognition is alive no matter the generation or time period. That’s a story that never gets old, because people get it. The fact that Chicago intermingles that with murderesses just makes the story more exciting! You have to admit, there is something cool and powerful about a woman with no mercy and charm.

            I also really like the fact that they show how corrupted the “truth” can be. There is a definite power in words, and manipulation occurs when there is something on the line, not to mention a life.  Billy Flynn, a smooth talking lawyer is the perfect symbol of that. He has a way with words, and a charming disposition. He was, in a way, the greatest storyteller of them all, and everyone loves a good story.

            I have to say though, that one of my favorite characters would have to be Amos Hart. A hardworking American man, doing his best to just get by and for his family. Maybe not the most exciting character for sure, a man with a routine and a big heart, but one we can identify with. I think we have all been in a position where we feel like the invisible one. The one no one remembers, or just doesn’t stand out enough. I like that he was there to kind of ground the story, to show that there are good people in the world, even if that came in the form of a naïve man.  

            Chicago really is a classic, it plays with your heartstrings, makes you jealous of murderesses and long for glamour and fame. But also, it’s real. Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Even poor Roxie didn’t get the instant fame she thought she was entitled to after her hearing. It’s a heavy story line portrayed in a lighthearted way, with music that demands your ear and characters that are forces to be reckoned with.  We can all learn something from this movie, whether that be how to pick a lawyer, how to Razzle Dazzle ‘Em, or learn to work with others you may not be the biggest fan of.