Tess: [upon seeing a nauseous Georgia emerge from the bathroom stall] Oh, God, Georgia. Naughtiness without being crass! [21] A Blu-ray/DVD combo has been released as well. 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. In my experience of meeting and working with some of the greatest legends, the best ones usually are that way. She didn't use any doubles. Scroll down to see stars you may have forgot appeared in Burlesque. It was all of these numbers with Christina. Ali quits her job, and then decides to. In a previous film, Cam Gigandet played a bully who constantly referred to a fellow character as "Iowa." At the end of its box office run, Burlesque grossed $90 million worldwide, with multiple millions more in home video sales. I called Steven [and told him] it was a sign he should make this movie. It had that feel to it. Both are really awesome, so, stay tuned! So, Clint and I wrote an outline together, then started writing the script. What, I don't have a brain? It's a hybrid television event/series taking the movie to the next level. I respect her talent, her no-bulls---, genuine way of saying it as she sees it, making up her own rules, and helping to pave the way for so many other women in generations to come. Aguilera was also one of the celebrities Antins sister Robin directed for a cameo at The Pussycat Dollss Viper Room show. [9], In January 2021, Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue won the gold medal at the U.S. I'm a perfectionist, and Steven is even more so, and that's the challenge: Wanting every second to be delicious or finessed and powerful, and that specificity takes time. 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. From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. Show me how you burlesque! The truth was that I didnt have any idea where to stand, not that I know where to stand now. Tensions arise between Ali and Jack as Marcus grows increasingly infatuated with Ali, making Jack jealous. 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). [43] In a 2020 interview Antin revealed a "hybrid television event/series", based on the movie, was under development. If you can help us with this wiki please sign up and help us! He believed in the project, but I just couldn't get my head wrapped around a story that I thought worked. Then, we cut to the big musical finale,"Show Me How You Burlesque," which is still the same. I played her the song, because what did I have to lose? Just us." There wasn't anything Steven wanted, creatively, that anybody disagreed with. CULPEPPER: The biggest challenge was making sure we had all the coverage for the dance numbers, but I was seeing that stuff cut together, because Steven was asking an editor to cut it together as he was going on so he knew what pieces he had to get. She did it on the day we shot it over and over. Movies. "[35] Variety observed that the film "wants to be Cabaret, but lacks the edge and historical context to pull it off. What's 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 l. "They had to rewrite the character because I was just like, 'This girl doesnt have a lot of drive,'" she said at the time. So, I was a bit disappointed by the opening weekend numbers. She asked really smart questions. Marla (as Wendy Benson) Tisha French . As movie fans, we give you content we know you will enjoy!#burlesque #backstage #musical #cher #christinaaguilera #dancer #cabaret #music #artist #audition #persuade #kristenbell #stanleytucci #movieclips #clips Rose McGowan was considered for the role of Ali. This is all her, working hard and being spectacular. Both the ballads from the soundtrack "Bound to You" performed by Aguilera and "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" performed by Cher were nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. The Dirrty singer added that she channeled her lack of acting experience into the character. It was a very time-consuming number, but well worth it! like that! Jack refers her to Tess for an audition, but is rejected instantly and ushered out by Sean (Tucci). We wanted her to come to my office to see all the renderings of the set and my references plastered all over the walls, storyboards, and the endless preparation. The role of Tess could've gone several ways. Marcus (Eric Dane), a wealthy clubgoer, becomes infatuated with Ali, who begins spending time with him, making Jack jealous. The MCUs tiniest heroes are kicking off its biggest phase yet, setting up the next several years of storytelling. Ali performs a difficult dance routine and eventually persuades Tess to hire her. She knew what it was, and Cher doesn't always know what the right song is. and this one she loved from day one. Emma Stone was considered for the role of Ali. That song is hers. 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. I'd basically given up, and I ended up going out to dinner the next week, where I ran into Loree Rodkin, Cher's best friend. When he stumbles over words, she says "Jack, we're friends for Christ's sake. Overall, it has grossed over $30,053,366 on video sales (DVD and Blu-ray sales) in United States alone. Gabriela Spanic was considered for the role of Tess. These lines are modern inspired by Jane Austen's novel "Emma," when Mr. Knightley asks Emma to dance and she says "Indeed, I will. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). I hated it. Beyonc Knowles was considered for the role of Ali. we're going to take you right up there [to Steven's office] and talk you into doing this movie!" We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. But, the meat of the narrative was there, and the pair were ready to dot their call sheet with glistening stars beginning with courting Aguilera to play their budding ingenue. The meeting went well. The former Dancing With the Stars judge played Georgia, a dancer whose sudden pregnancy opens up a spot for Ali to audition. It starred Farrah Moan as Ali Rose and Chad Michaels as Tess Scali. The Easy A actor played snarky stage manager Sean, who is best friends with Tess. Somewhere along the way, Antin jokes, the infamous "air rights" plot device found its way into the story ("It was a feeble attempt at infusing story. Its story is earnest and timeless: A vocally gifted, small-town waitress, Ali (Aguilera), leaves Iowa for Los. I think it was my 19th song I'd done with Cher, and I knew what it would sound like in my head, but it sounded better, if that's possible. "It had a few good moments, but I didn't even like my performance that much. WARREN: I was blown away. [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. When Jack first plays his piano in his apartment, he is playing an instrumental of 'Bound to You' - a song which Ali later sings in the show. Burlesque. I just learned what downstage and upstage is. It was a long process. It wasn't about Cher's performance. It all worked out! I am more attracted to slow artsy fartsy movies that try make grand points about society or existence. Ali tells Tess, and together they inform the owner of the new million-dollar condos across the street; fearing the loss of business that would result from the obstruction of his prospective tenants' view, he purchases the air rights to the club's property. In conjunction with the image of the modern, independent woman, these women were exploring their sexuality and flaunting their agency, although often in a manner directly dictated by the male gaze. At some point in everyone's life, you feel that need to remind the world who you are. Sony Pictures Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the cast's performance and the soundtrack but criticized the cliche writing. Betty Grable, all those big, dance-y studio movies about putting on a show. "The truth was that I didnt have any idea where to stand, not that I know where to stand now. 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. I got really inspired. Burlesque was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture [and won for Diane Warren's song]. I want someone with more bite and more passion for what she wants in life. And so, they rewrote it., In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies. CULPEPPER: If I'm doing my job, it's protecting the studio, and if Steven's doing his job, he's being an advocate for the movie. Looking back now, I'm thankful he kept it in. She unknowingly walks. She'd rehearse, even at home, because Christina's not showing up to not be the best on set. It reminded me of when I was a young girl and my mom and all her friends would put on makeup together. Shout-Out: After Ali's debut as the lead, she asks Jack what he thinks about her outfit. The soundtrack received a nomination at the 54th Grammy Awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Enough said. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown. I hate that device. One is a timely, provocative story inspired by a classic movie, and one is related to Burlesque. You know whats funny? She smiled and said, "Oh my God, this is going to be fun!" 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. But, I think she'll outlive the cockroaches. 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). CULPEPPER: Christina kept saying, "Please, Clint, get Cher! She has sold more than 30 million albums . I wanted to sing, Ive never been able to sing in a movie. She finally read it and agreed to a meeting with Clint and [then-Sony Motion Picture Chairperson] Amy Pascal. Tell me you don't have the flu. Marcus calls Ali, and Sean prompts her to go out with him. The resulting money is enough for Tess to buy out Vince's share, pay off the bank, and re-fashion the club to her own vision. 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. But it was the right song for her and the movie. It was still the early days of the Pussycat Dolls, before they were a pop group. Once Ali slinks down into the "faded glamour" of the club for the first time, the whole thing unfolds like Alice down a rabbit hole, with each choreographed dance trimmed with both grit and glitz. When Georgia (Julianne Hough), one of the leading dancers, becomes pregnant, auditions are held in search of a replacement to fill her role. Show me how you burlesque! How many songs are left out of the soundtrack? "'She doesnt have enough meat. Fearing the obstruction of his prospective purchasers' view, he buys the air rights to the club's property from Tess. [7] Keep your back straight while you bend forward. At times I can be a bit snobby about movies. EW's oral history with the cast and crew celebrates the musical's 10-year anniversary with candid secrets from the set. Feeling heartbroken and betrayed, Ali runs to Sean for support, also learning that Sean is gay. Cher. I had everyone that I knew calling [Steve]. Both Electra Avellan and Rose McGowan was considered for the role of Ali. I want someone with more bite and more passion for what she wants in life.' I'm in Cher's trailer dressing room, just hanging out and chatting. 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. The difference is, in every movie, the director isn't in a relationship with the studio. Loree said if I got her the CD, she'd get it to Cher. Background Ali Rose (Aguilera) moves to Los Angeles after she quits her bar job when her boss refuses to pay her. She makes a joke herself that, at the end of the world, it'll be cockroaches and Cher. I just learned what downstage and upstage is. [42] The movie was also referenced in the third season of the VH1 reality show RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Surprisingly, this is Cher's first musical film. 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. I was like, "No, tell her it's a new f---in' song!" MICHAEL KAPLAN (costume designer): I wanted a modern take on burlesque with a retro feel and a nod to its history and origins. It did, however, win a Golden Globe, so perhaps I was wrong! NEXT:The 10 Greatest Movies About Music, Ranked (According To IMDb), JJ Rankin is a culture and entertainment writer. Upon seeing the waitress shortage, Ali picks up a tray and begins serving. Why did Cher regret Burlesque? Cher [saw us] and went, "Ok, everybody, take five!" ANTIN: Directors fight for what they believe in. Aguilera and Cher both contributed to the album. Greg: Wendy Benson-Landes . It was the most challenging to everybody. When you're upright again, swirl your hips to the side towards the audience. She also makes up with Nikki and rehires her at the club. [24], Burlesque received mixed reviews from critics. A press freebie to Las Vegas to watch Cher perform organized by Screen Gems was generally credited with the film's erroneous nomination. Now, the team behind Burlesque including Cher, Aguilera, Antin, choreographer Denise Faye, songwriter Diane Warren, music producer Tricky Stewart, costume designer Michael Kaplan, and Clint Culpepper, the Screen Gems president (and Antin's romantic partner at the time) who made it all happen, have assembled to reflect on the film's legacy, recount its gestation, and reclaim the spotlight their work deserved. This tune was replaced in the DVD version. CULPEPPER: We both had the idea of doing something that harkened back [to] old musicals from the '40s. 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. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place. Antin filmed Aguileras performance too. CULPEPPER: A lot of people worked really hard to get this movie made. Paula van Oppen, former member of the girl group G.R.L, plays one of the burlesque dancers, Anna. Steven and Christina were, creatively, on the same page. The website's critical consensus reads, "Campy and clichd, Burlesque wastes its talented cast (including a better-than-expected Christina Aguilera) on a movie that wavers uncertainly between 'bad' and 'so bad it's good. Kelly Stables was considered for the role of Tess. [9] Circa 2002, the group performed at the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood, with multiple artistsamong them Christina Aguileraand Steven Antin directed some of these shows. Try a leg crossover for a fun move to perform with a chair. It was so cute. The "Beautiful" singer portrayed Ali, a small-town girl who heads to Los Angeles with big dreams and a dynamic voice to back up her determination to see her name in lights. The controversy on the set was the number of days and getting the movie done so it wouldnt go over budget.