The first time I saw heard about Repo! The Genetic Opera I knew I had to look at it a little closer. Seriously, with a title like that, who wouldn't be interested? Apparently there were at least a few who did not think anyone would be interested, but more on that later.
As I did a quick perusal of the title, I found a clip of the stage show on YouTube. Interesting, very interesting and more than a little weird, then I saw the trailer for the filmed version. That brief viewing experience brought two thoughts immediately to mind:
1. "There is no way this can be marketed to a mainstream audience"
2. "I need to see this!" (I had similar thoughts when 300 appeared). It appears that I was right on the first part, but have not been able to fulfill the second. I will likely have to wait for DVD and satisfy myself with this soundtrack, which contains less than half of the song listing and appears to be out of order.
For those of you who do not know, this tale initially began as a story on a stage with productions running in Los Angeles and New York City. Then Darren Lynn Bousman arrived on the scene, directing a version of the stage show in 2001. He then created a ten minute version to shop to film studios, getting Lionsgate to back a film adaptation. His desire to make the film was backed by his successful string of Saw sequels (he helmed II, III, and IV).
Unfortunately, it seems that Lionsgate has zero confidence in this musical mixing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Blade Runner (a comparison that seems apt based on what I have read). Rather than giving it a wide release, or even a limited run to gauge potential for a wide release, it got a road show that traveled to a few cities. The good news is that the road show was a success with sold out shows wherever they went. On one hand, I understand the exec's point. This is a bizarre film that would seem to have limited appeal, therefore limited ability to make money, which begs the question why did they agree to bankroll it in the first place? On the other hand, why not take a stand and try something new? Why not position yourself as a studio willing to take chances on something that is a little different? Oh well, maybe next time.
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