I'm in Cher's trailer dressing room, just hanging out and chatting. CLINT CULPEPPER (Screen Gems studio president): One day I was on the set of a movie [and] Christina's agent called, saying they'd had a big meeting with her and that she wanted to do a movie. There Ali attends multiple auditions with little success. I said, "We're ambushing you. TRICKY STEWART (songwriter/producer): Christina is a real diva, and being around her and watching her attention to detail, the vibe that she gives me always made me want to make music that I consider to be "fabulous." This, however, infuriates Nikki (Kristen Bell), a lead performer struggling with alcoholism. WARREN: At one point they were saying [Steven] wanted to test the movie without the song in it, and I think Cher was like, if you even test the movie without the song in, I will do no press! More than just a pretty face, Gypsy Rose Lee was an author and playwright in addition to being a dancer and burlesque . And so, they rewrote it." "I put that energy into how I really was feeling, approaching acting in the first place, which was wide-eyed and as a newcomer, who was open and vulnerable to everyones opinions and ideas, and ready to learn." It did, however, win a Golden Globe, so perhaps I was wrong! So did Christina. It's not like we're brother and sister," to which Jack replies "No, we certainly are not." I'd travel all over the world with her, and the one thing people would scream when they had the audiences lined up was "Cher, I loved you in Burlesque!" STEVEN ANTIN (writer-director): My sister, Robin Antin, had a show that she created at the Viper Room [for] the Pussycat Dolls. Aguilera and Cher both contributed to the album. Both Electra Avellan and Rose McGowan was considered for the role of Ali. like that! NEXT:The 10 Greatest Movies About Music, Ranked (According To IMDb), JJ Rankin is a culture and entertainment writer. If you can help us with this wiki please sign up and help us! I might've seen him at the party after, and I didn't thank him in the thank you speech [at the Globes]. Her performance is an instant success to which Tess casts her in an upcoming show. Heather Graham was considered for the role of Ali. Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Stokes Get Cozy at Rangers Game. CHER: It's not a surprise to me that it has been deeply embraced by the gay community. In a fit of rage, Nikki sabotages the performance by turning off the music that the dancers usually lip sync to until Ali impresses everyone with her singing skills. The credits play over a background of the stage set from the final scene ("Show Me How to Burlesque" dance number). Now that it's taken on this cult following, Cher has a whole new audience of young girls. 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 have this Forrest Gump-ian way of touching something and it becomes a hit!" Perhaps if it were rewritten and interpolated into something that belonged in our world, it would've worked better. Four, the main heroine gets run out of her residence, and moves into an apartment with a nice-guy friend who soon becomes a lover. Emma Stone was considered for the role of Ali. Having earned Nikki's respect, Ali performs "Show Me How You Burlesque", a song written by Jack, with all of the dancers on stage, delighting the crowd. 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. First introduced by a visiting British dance troupe in the 1860s, burlesque took off in America even as its popularity dwindled in England. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. STEWART: The set had been built out on a miniature scale, then we got to see the set built out into the real thing, and they had us walk through the whole set that was being built for those numbers so we could feel the essence of what needed to happen in those scenes. Don't come back to me without Cher!" She will make friends and enemies, and by dint of perseverance, will manage to get closer to her dream. I didn't like the way it was written, and I didn't like the set. Then there are the custom shoes and the blisters. One of Christina's costumes was made completely of pearls wired together. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 37% based on 178 reviews, with an average rating of 4.90/10. 1. Some battles I won. Director: Steven Antin. A third TV spot also aired the following day during Dancing with the Stars, later followed by another during MTV's Jersey Shore. The audience loves it. After her selfish boss refuses salary, Ali steals from him and moves to Los Angeles. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Christina stuck her hand out and said "Hi, I'm Christina, the one who would drink your bathwater." During the 202021 season they danced to a medley of Aguilera's Burlesque songs, which included "Express". I played her the song, because what did I have to lose? Loree said if I got her the CD, she'd get it to Cher. Whats 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 lead dancer Nikki's (Kristen Bell from Veronica Mars and Forgetting Sarah Marshall) annoyance.Click to Buy/Rent Burlesque on iTunes: https://apple.co/2BNHE2nWhats the Burlesque movie about? I've got this." Antin, along with Culpepper and the couples producer pal Donald De Line met Cher at her Malibu mansion and after quite a bit of convincing, Cher agreed to be a part of a twenty-day filming schedule, although the production lasted about four months. Essentially, spend money (the film was Screen Gems' most expensive picture to date) to look worn. 8. Critical reception was similarly muted, which many of those involved with the film feel was yet another byproduct of the exploitative pre-release coverage. 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. Michael Kaplan who designed costumes for the film revealed in an interview that he wanted to assign a color to Chers character Tess and actually believed Tess and Cher to be alike in various ways, especially with respect to their professionalism. I didn't believe those high numbers. FAYE: We're working on this hybrid spectacular, live musical version of Burlesque that's going to stream and have extraordinary add-on features because of technology. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from, Behind the music: High Fidelity stars look back on the cult-classic film 20 years later, The rise and fall and rise of Kevin Smith's Mallrats. It's been a decade since Burlesque premiered, but the trivia surrounding the Christina Aguilera and Cher helmed movie is still just as interesting. Tell me you don't have the flu. A few years later Antin sent her the script for the movie. When she discovers the spectacular revue of the Burlesque Lounge, a cabaret that was once the reference, the young woman is immediately fascinated. It was insane. Credit: Thierry Carpico/News Pictures/Shutterstock. If you look at that number, the amount of coverage that he was able to get, when we took it into the cutting room, it gave him so much to work with. Others, I lost. "[10] Canadian actor Shawn Roberts, who was previously cast in another Screen Gems production Resident Evil: Afterlife, was briefly considered for the role of Jack Miller. The film originally had a different ending a nod to the Julia Roberts classic Pretty Woman that Antin retooled. ANTIN: Denise and Joey wanted Christina to do a difficult dance move in "But I'm a Good Girl" an extended back-attitude kick to the head. The reason Aguilera could seamlessly step into the role of the burlesque performer Ali was that she had already done her homework. The Spy Kids star portrayed club doorman Alexis, who briefly takes the stage for a risqu dance number. Steven started to write it and it snowballed from there. [33] Time Out labelled the drama "perfunctory"[34] while Roger Ebert said that "Burlesque shows Cher and Christina Aguilera being all that they can be, and that's more than enough. Loft Assistant: Katerina Kopel . The burlesque star, and her all-American little sister, the pin-up girl, were crucial ingredients to American pop culture throughout the 20th century. 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. 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. Despite the club's growing popularity, Tess struggles with a bank loan indicted to her owning the rights of the building. At times I can be a bit snobby about movies. WARREN: I was trying every way [to keep the song in the film]. says the actress. '"[25] On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 47 out of 100, based on 38 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews". They just looked at it and went, "That's charming as s---." Tess then angrily smashes the passenger side window on Nikki's convertible with a crowbar after she leaves. Several years ago [RuPaul's Drag Race stars Farrah Moan and Chad Michaels] did a live drag version of the movie, which I thought was hilarious. I got really inspired. After finally quitting her waitressing job and getting out of Dodge (aka Iowa), Ali (Christina Aguilera) lands in Los Angeles, where her plan to get a singing gig quickly goes nowhere.Then she finds the Burlesque Lounge, a popular but down-on-its-high-heels nightclub -- owner Tess (Cher) is juggling two mortgages and has creditors and a real estate shark breathing down her neck -- where . Christina, I've never seen anyone more professional than she was. Because she dreams of a career in show business, Ali (Christina Aguilera) leaves her small town for Los Angeles. ANTIN: I'd talked to a few different studios and networks about the project with my ex-producing partner, Joe Voci. It was the most challenging to everybody. Rose McGowan was considered for the role of Ali. That night, Ali and Jack sleep together, beginning an affair. Cher and Christina Aguilera in 'Burlesque', Cher, Christina Aguilera sing justice for. Third, the first number seen at the club is reminiscent of Cabaret's opening with Cher introducing the dancers with little adages about each one. The restaurant she worked for. The Believe singer told Collider in November 2010 that she felt an immediate connection to Aguilera, whom she tried to mentor during filming. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). 2. And really terrible script. I should've. Burlesque: Ali Saves The Show (Kristen Bell, Christina Aguilera HD MOVIE SCENE) Scene City 1.09M subscribers Subscribe 6.2M views 1 year ago Despite Nikki's (Kristen Bell) attempt to thwart. But, Christina worked so hard. Sign up for Us Weekly's free, daily newsletter and never miss breaking news or exclusive stories about your favorite celebrities, TV shows and more! [40], According to Joey Nolfi of Entertainment Weekly, since its release the movie "inspired everything, from drag queen revues to viral internet moments". Although Cher enjoyed her time working on the movie, she admitted in 2013 that she wasnt proud of the project. The song just didn't belong in the movie. When she got to my office, she was impressed with everything she saw. Feeling heartbroken and betrayed, Ali runs to Sean for support, also learning that Sean is gay. The film earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 66th Golden Globe Awards, where Cher's performance of "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me", written by Diane Warren won the for Best Original Song. [24], Burlesque received mixed reviews from critics. 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. The soundtrack album features ten tracks: eight performed by Aguilera including "Express"; and two performed by Cher which are her first original recordings in 7 years. 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. I was vocal about saying this isn't the best version of how this works. Jack refers her to Tess for an audition but she is told to come back another time and ushered out by her assistant Sean (Stanley Tucci). I'd never been taught or exposed to such a wide range of "technical" dance and so many different styles and levels all at once while rehearsing and filming this movie. I got some cameras and shot the show over a few nights and edited together a little movie. Amy really wanted Cher, and so did Clint.
Burlesque (2010) - Trivia - IMDb CULPEPPER: A lot of people worked really hard to get this movie made. There was me saying "Hey, you've got to move on," and him saying, "I don't have it, I'm not going to move on." [When Cher arrived] I'd play stuff that I'd cut together. I started to sweat and panic. They started the number, and. Michelle Rodriguez was considered for the role of Tess. Kristen Bell (Nikki) and David Walton (Mark the DJ) starred in Bad Moms (2016) as Kiki and Mike, respectively. Of course, that makes me happy that 10 years later people are still embracing it and new people are still discovering it.
Stars You Forgot Were in 'Burlesque' - Us Weekly CULPEPPER: We both had the idea of doing something that harkened back [to] old musicals from the '40s. But there were many more meetings and conversations before she actually said yes. You can hear feedback when Ali is onstage and Nikki sabotages the mixing console. ", "Watch the Sexy, Burlesque-Inspired Skate That Propelled These Ice Dancers to a National Title", "Madison HUBBELL / Zachary DONOHUE isuresults.com", "Dorian Awards 2010: Winners: I AM LOVE, GLEE, EASY A", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Burlesque_(2010_American_film)&oldid=1140159067, Favorite Film Leading Actress Comedy or Musical, "Welcome to Burlesque" Tess and the Burlesque Lounge Troupe, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" Ali, "Tough Lover" The Burlesque Lounge Troupe, "Jungle Berlin (Instrumental)" Alexis and The Contortionists, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 19:10. Marcus (Eric Dane), a wealthy clubgoer, becomes infatuated with Ali, who begins spending time with him, making Jack jealous. AGUILERA: Cher definitely felt like my mama bear during shooting. Enough said. It was all very spontaneous. MICHAEL KAPLAN (costume designer): I wanted a modern take on burlesque with a retro feel and a nod to its history and origins. A few weeks later, Clint and I went to her house in Malibu for another meeting. FAYE: She was dancing in styles she hadn't before, and you can see how gorgeously she did. Promoting the film became a push-and-pull between appealing to mainstream audiences and staying true to the film's soul. These girls were watching it time and time again on TV, they'd watch it with their friends or their mothers or buy the DVD. The film opens in every movie version of every small town ever. Writer and burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, working at her desk, 1941. Burlesque marks Aguilera's first leading role, as well as Cher's first musical performance on screen. When you're upright again, swirl your hips to the side towards the audience. "Cher always put her imprint on everything she was wearing. "I also had to have a balance of starting out very vulnerable and wide-eyed and naive," she explained. It had Cam Gigandets Jack getting into a taxi as Aguilera's Ali climbed down a fire escape and called out his name before the couple reunited. [17][18] In the United States, the soundtrack was certified Gold by the RIAA for shipments of 500,000 copies in October 2011.[19]. Cam Gigandet and Peter Gallagher both previously starred on the television series The O.C. She gave me some good advice, shared some personal insight and stories on love, and also encouragement along the way when I needed to hear it! The disagreements came from, we didnt have time, we have to move on, Culpepper said. A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer.A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer.A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer. The controversy on the set was the number of days and getting the movie done so it wouldnt go over budget. [20], The DVD and Blu-ray were released in North America on March 1, 2011. Steven got it and achieved his vision.
Burlesque: Ali performs "Express" (HD CLIP) - YouTube Cher started laughing hysterically and said, "Well, I hope that doesn't become necessary!". It can only be 50s burlesque. CULPEPPER: There weren't creative differences. Many fans have wondered if Burlesque used an original screenplay. Ali begins her audition when everyone leaves, and after performing "Wagon Wheel Watusi", persuades Tess to allow her to become one of the club's dancers, much to the annoyance of Nikki (Bell), a performer who is always late and caught drinking before numbers. - no indeed.". 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. Cher has stated that she felt this could've been a much better film, pinning the blame on its writer/director, Steve Antin: "Terrible director! [23] In all, the DVD has sold over 1.4 million units in the United States. Distraught, Ali breaks off her relationship with Marcus. Cher's first film appearance since her cameo in Stuck on You (2003). Cher was really pissed off. Ali leaves Marcus, after discovering his plans to sell the burlesque for money. [30] Lou Lumenick of the New York Post said, "Aguilera can dance like nobody's business, but her acting debut isn't going to keep Anne Hathaway awake at night. I hate that device. She was like, "This is so great!" The Twilight star's character, Jack, is a bartender at the club who captures Ali's heart despite being engaged to another woman (Dianna Agron). Aguilera also gave an interview to show host Chelsea Handler to discuss the film and other subjects. Once I hit a kick pattern, she loved it, and she started rapping. But, I'm happy the gay community embraced it and I'm happy that people still enjoy watching it. In the scene where Nikki is singing about a dentist, the song is "Long John Blues" sung by Megan Mullally. She was completely in it, she wasn't trying to change it at all, she wasn't trying to make it comfortable for herself.
Ali Rose: Oh, yeah, it's short for Alice. Sean encourages Jack to end the engagement, as Ali is a better person than his shallow fiance. This was then followed by the track "But I Am a Good Girl" which was released in November 2010. ANTIN: Christina had to become familiar with the entire process of acting. As of 2021, Eric Dane (Marcus) and Peter Gallagher (Vince) have both appeared on the television series Grey's Anatomy (2005-present). There wasn't anything Steven wanted, creatively, that anybody disagreed with. To keep it strictly professional was impossible. ANTIN: The first ending for the film I shot wasn't good. She had the best skin and the bluest eyes I'd ever seen. Their cast mate on this film, Julianne Hough, is one of the professional dancers on the Emmy-winning show. It was still the early days of the Pussycat Dolls, before they were a pop group. Ali Rose: [39] As of February6, 2011[update], it had grossed $39.4 million in North America, and, as of May15, 2011[update], $51.1 million in foreign countries, for a total of $91 million worldwide,[1] and an additional $42 million in domestic video sales (DVD and Blu-ray). I wanted to sing, Ive never been able to sing in a movie. Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. When you think about Cher, she did do it her way, and she'll never go away. 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). The DVD audience didn't know the background, the budget, the controversy, they didn't know any of that. In defense of Ali, Tess questions Nikki's gratitude for the help she has received during her binges. Im like, That was a week of my life, she remarked once. That's what we grew up on! She unknowingly walks into a burlesque club run by Tess (Cher), which is facing financial hardship despite its talented group of dancers. CHER (Tess): I loved performing "Welcome to Burlesque" so much that I decided to recreate a version of it for my live show. We were up against huge titles. Hoda Kotb Makes Pre-Taped Appearance on 'Today' Amid Continued Absence, Formula 1 Driver Max Verstappen and GF Kelly Piquet's Relationship Timeline, PDA in the Rink! Despite rumors, Aguilera and Cher got along well on the set and became friends.