She doesnt have enough meat. I didn't think it was right the first time Diane played it for me. STEWART: We were sitting in a room at her house. Movies. Cam Gigandet and Peter Gallagher both previously starred on the television series The O.C. On Sunday, November 28, 2010, it went back up to third place behind Tangled and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. 64-year-old For the first time in a decade, she's starring in a feature film, "Burlesque". ANTIN: We opened on Thanksgiving weekend, which is generally a weekend for family movies. Aguilera and Cher developed a close bond behind-the-scenes of the film that emulated their characters budding mother-daughter relationship in the movie. Milla Jovovich was considered for the role of Tess. 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. [9], Cher accepted the supporting role of Tess Scali because she wanted to sing in a movie and thought this would be her last opportunity to do so. 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. . It stayed in the top five until December 10, 2010, when it fell to sixth behind The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Tourist, Tangled, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Unstoppable. She overcame a lot. As a result, she manages to get a job as a waitress at the club. Burlesque was an extension of "Glam" and "Prima Donna" from Bionic, a continuation of that fabulousness, but with a controlled theme and narrative. CULPEPPER: When you want somebody and they're not available, before you move on, you have to see if it's logistically possible [to accommodate], so that's what we did: We frontloaded [Christina's solo parts] before Christmas, and we shot everything with Cher after Christmas. Shout-Out: After Ali's debut as the lead, she asks Jack what he thinks about her outfit. She came on the set with us, and thats a little bit nerve-wracking when youve done nothing in film. We had a detailed outline, but it was really broad, and more of a comedy, like the old Beatles movies. The meeting went well. 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. Ali Rose: If I'm not 20 times better than "b*obs for brains" over there, you don't have to pay me. Looking back now, I'm thankful he kept it in. That's what we grew up on! The movie tested through the roof. Shipped to theaters under the code name "Former Glory". I was offered Mamma Mia with Meryl Streep but I was on the road so I couldn't do it. The song just didn't belong in the movie. 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. Robert Pattinson, Kellan Lutz, Taylor Lautner were considered to play Jack, before the role went to fellow Twilight star Cam Gigandet. After filming wrapped in early 2010, industry publications reported on-set tensions between Culpepper and Antin, as the couple allegedly clashed during production. CHER: When Diane Warren brought me the song, I told her there was no way I could ever reach those notes, but somehow, I managed. My sister was getting all these celebs to appear as guest performers. Burlesque (2010) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. When he stumbles over words, she says "Jack, we're friends for Christ's sake. 50s Burlesque By the 1950s burlesque had been clamped down on in New York. From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. CHER (Tess): I loved performing "Welcome to Burlesque" so much that I decided to recreate a version of it for my live show. Anyway, we worked it out and I shot the number in what turned out to be a very long day. The first TV spot premiered during the season 2 premiere of Fox's Glee on September 21, 2010. It was a long process. ANTIN: I actually shot the show that Christina Aguilera did with the Pussycat Dolls [years prior], but I didn't get to know her then. Its story is earnest and timeless: A vocally gifted, small-town waitress, Ali (Aguilera), leaves Iowa for Los Angeles with nothing but a bus ticket and raw talent in tow. "I also had to have a balance of starting out very vulnerable and wide-eyed and naive," she explained. alum shines in a few scenes as Tess' ex-husband, Vince, who wants to sell the burlesque club to Marcus. Ali Rose (Aguilera) moves toLos Angelesafter she quits herbarjob when her boss refuses to pay her. Second, similar choreography. "[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. It was the most challenging to everybody. Ali wants to audition but finds herself working at the club as a waitress. Feeling heartbroken and betrayed, Ali runs to Sean for support, also learning that Sean is gay. [37], Burlesque was released on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, the day before Thanksgiving in the United States; on its opening day, it came in third to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Tangled. Ali performs a difficult dance routine and eventually persuades Tess to hire her. Peter Gallagher and Cam Gigandet appeared together in The O.C. "They had to rewrite the character because I was just like, 'This girl doesnt have a lot of drive,'" she said at the time. Repayment Mortgage can help you away fvrier 17, 2023. [9] In 2019, a full-length Burlesque tour, based on the movie, embarked, including at British venues. The difference is, in every movie, the director isn't in a relationship with the studio. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. During the 202021 season they danced to a medley of Aguilera's Burlesque songs, which included "Express". But, Christina worked so hard. In mid-2010, a melodramatic trailer that didn't match the film's tone was poorly received ("everyone thought it was going to be Showgirls," Culpepper jokes), though a second cut fared better. Fearing the obstruction of his prospective purchasers' view, he buys the air rights to the club's property from Tess. I was thinking, "Ok, this is surreal. It's a hybrid television event/series taking the movie to the next level. She finally read it and agreed to a meeting with Clint and [then-Sony Motion Picture Chairperson] Amy Pascal. It sounded like an '80s power ballad, which I love, but it seemed incongruous in the movie. Burlesque is an exotic dance style that draws on theatrical and often comedic performance elements. 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. She had the best skin and the bluest eyes I'd ever seen. Why did Cher regret Burlesque? Kelly Stables was considered for the role of Tess. She has sold more than 30 million albums . Jana Kramer was considered for the role of Tess. The Believe singer told Collider in November 2010 that she felt an immediate connection to Aguilera, whom she tried to mentor during filming. Patron Tequila product placement in several scenes. It was all of these numbers with Christina. This is the second movie with Stanley Tucci where he provides the lead character with new clothing and a makeover which leads to a montage backed by Madonna music. "'She doesnt have enough meat. At lunch, I went to Cher's trailer to say hi and check in. I might've seen him at the party after, and I didn't thank him in the thank you speech [at the Globes]. 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! 1. Kyla Pratt was considered for the role of Ali. ANTIN: I'd talked to a few different studios and networks about the project with my ex-producing partner, Joe Voci. [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. 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 Dianna Agron shot her scene in just one afternoon. She laughed and turned to her assistant and said, "We have a few minutes. Burlesque marks Aguilera's first leading role, as well as Cher's first musical performance on screen. Director: Steven Antin. More meetings and many more conversations followed. But Culpepper revealed in an interview that though they did have disagreements, they were not creative in nature but were about scheduling issues. 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. First, Alan Cumming (plays the money taker at Burlesque) famously starred as the Emcee in the 1991 stage version of Cabaret. How many songs are left out of the soundtrack? 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. They thought I might have something, and I smiled and told them I might. [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). Upon seeing the waitress shortage, Ali picks up a tray and begins serving. The film follows Ali as she fights her way from the bar to the stage while juggling a love triangle between sensitive bartender Jack (Cam Gigandet) and wealthy real estate developer Marcus (Eric Dane). "[27][28] Mick LaSalle from San Francisco Chronicle gave the movie a full score and praised Aguilera's acting, calling her "jaw-droppingly good in several numbers" and said, "Aguilera knows how to listen to her fellow actors, to react and be spontaneous, and it makes all the difference". Betty Grable, all those big, dance-y studio movies about putting on a show. Yes, the gays love it, but there's no one in town that's surprised that the gays are going to love something that Christina Aguilera and Cher do together! I had six cameras set up on a gigantic soundstage with a massive crew, and a zillion dancers around Cher that she had never worked with. ANTIN: [I didn't direct another film because] I guess I needed time to lick my wounds, and I was suddenly getting jobs directing commercials mostly musical commercials at first, but it opened up to all kinds. Steven Antin's sister Robin was a member of the girl band the Pussycat Dolls. CULPEPPER: We both had the idea of doing something that harkened back [to] old musicals from the '40s. The DVD has sold over 1.4 million units in the United States. I collected books, had played with burlesque style on my Back to Basics tour, and explored visual concepts and songs (including "Nasty Naughty Boy," about a striptease). In defense of Ali, Tess questions Nikki's gratitude for the help she has received during her binges. At the end of its box office run, Burlesque grossed $90 million worldwide, with multiple millions more in home video sales. How Marvel went big with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Culpepper, Aguilera, and Antin all agreed on Cher, but the issue lay with the stars availability. Christina, I've never seen anyone more professional than she was. 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. 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! I didn't like the way it was written, and I didn't like the set. If you can help us with this wiki please sign up and help us! Christina Aguilera's "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" fantasy was the first scene shot. I just learned what downstage and upstage is. ANTIN: The first ending for the film I shot wasn't good. 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. It was a joke between us, because after I met Cher at her house for three hours with Donald [De Line, the executive producer] and Steve, we called Christina as we left. CHER: I think everyone can relate to the message of that song. Steven and I are deep into this. Here you will find iconic scenes, moments, and lines from all the films, characters, celebrities and actors you love. 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. Some battles I won. I had everyone that I knew calling [Steve]. It's a collaborativeart form, and the studio is writing the check, so they have opinions about mostly everything, which is understandable. She makes a joke herself that, at the end of the world, it'll be cockroaches and Cher. [9], In January 2021, Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue won the gold medal at the U.S. Both Diablo Cody and Susannah Grant did rewrites of Steve Antin's script. Michelle Rodriguez was considered for the role of Tess. Director Steve Antin Writer Steve Antin Stars Cher Christina Aguilera Alan Cumming See production, box office & company info Watch on Netflix with subscription More watch options Add to Watchlist Added by 83.3K users Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. Burlesque was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture [and won for Diane Warren's song]. She also makes up with Nikki and rehires her at the club. Cam Gigandet learned how to play the piano especially for the film. So, I was a bit disappointed by the opening weekend numbers. While preparing her Hollywood debut, Aguilera was simultaneously finishing her sixth studio album, Bionic, which released in June 2010. I hate that device. I am more attracted to slow artsy fartsy movies that try make grand points about society or existence. It all worked out! Erin Gray was considered for the role of Ali. The film eventually pulled in $17.3 million over the five-day holiday frame in fourth place behind a Harry Potter film, Tangled, and the animated holdover Megamind. Burlesque was released in the United States on November 24, 2010 by Screen Gems. It morphs what's best about TV, Broadway, film, and digital entertainment. 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. Amazed by the flamboyant costumes and the breathtaking choreography, Ali swears to herself that one day she too will be on the stage. [22] Overall, it has grossed over $30,053,366 on video sales (DVD and Blu-ray sales) in United States alone. Stanley Tucci's character smokes in many of his scenes at The Burlesque Lounge, including in the front of the house. There Ali attends multiple auditions with little success. I should've. But, I'm happy the gay community embraced it and I'm happy that people still enjoy watching it. "She reminded me of the relationship that I had with Meryl Streep [on Silkwood], when Meryl took me under her wing," she said at the time. This was then followed by the track "But I Am a Good Girl" which was released in November 2010. Lisa Kudrow was considered for the role of Ali. On November 19, 2010, Aguilera also gave a television interview to Ellen DeGeneres. Christina stuck her hand out and said "Hi, I'm Christina, the one who would drink your bathwater." One has to be quick and prepared for someone like Christina in a meeting. [When Cher arrived] I'd play stuff that I'd cut together. On Thursday, November 25, 2010, it dropped down to fourth place in the box office behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Tangled and Unstoppable and went down to fifth on Friday, November 26, 2010. See production, box office & company info. The American style of burlesque evolved and spread across the country, but with an increased emphasis the . She really had my back on that song. Despite the club's growing success, Tess is still unable to pay the bank. She later tells Tess about his plan, and they inform the owner (James Brolin) of new million-dollar condos being sold across the street. The costumes for the film's finale were made from a variety of chains I bought at hardware stores. That song is hers. They started the number, and. Steve Antin got the idea for this film after watching Christina Aguilera perform as a featured vocalist for The Pussycat Dolls in 2002. When she discovers the spectacular revue of the Burlesque Lounge, a cabaret that was once the reference, the young woman is immediately fascinated. 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. I wasn't there for that meeting, and I believe Clint helped in getting her to say yes. Then there are the custom shoes and the blisters. One of Christina's costumes was made completely of pearls wired together. One night after the club closes, Tess grows increasingly worried about her financiallity before a drunken Nikki shows up, accusing Tess of rejecting their long friendship. Clint heard she was there. 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.