The editor would like to thank all involved for their time and effort on this edition of The Voice.

The opinions expressed in any Sweet Briar College publication or other forms of media are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, staff or administration. Therefore, Sweet Briar College is not responsible for its content.

Editorials represent the opinion(s) of the editor(s) and/or staff/guest writer(s).

This site is maintained by Anne Proctor. Please email any questions or comments concerning the web site to her.

Dreamgirls: Great Music, Great Cast, Average Acting
By: Irene Maslanik '07
STAFF WRITER

Dreamgirls is a movie that has so much potential, but leaves moviegoers oddly disappointed. The original Broadway musical Dreamgirls is amazing and powerful. However, the movie version falls flat. It fails because the director seems to have compromised acting performance for musical performance.

Instead of focusing on the energy and the authenticity of their acting, the actors belt out every song like it’s their last. The amazing star-studded cast of Dreamgirls dismisses their own spoken scenes in favor of the glitter and glamour of the vocal performances. The transitions suffer and the audience feels the energy wane.

If you’ve had a pulse these last couple years, you’ve heard Beyonce’s amazing voice, and you know that Jamie Foxx is one of the hottest performers in the business. Eddie Murphy has been conspicuously absent from major films, and this film has largely been billed as a comeback for him. Jennifer Hudson, who has generated the most critical acclaim of the Dreamgirls cast, was completely unknown compared to the other cast members before the release of the film. Nevertheless, her voice literally stops the show in two different parts of the film.

In truth, the musical numbers are amazing and heartfelt. They are the only glimpse this movie spares towards acting or emotion. Jennifer Hudson portrays such a raw, tragic air, which is why she, like the other nominees, deserves the honor of the Academy Award nomination. Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy steal the show with their passionate, magnetic performances.

However, as much as they impress the audience, they play characters that require grandiose, dramatic performances. It may be an unpopular stance, but the most elegant and cognizant performance comes from Danny Glover. Danny Glover, in the largest non-singing role, truly owns the show with his portrayal of the quintessential manager. His character, Marty Madison, is real, with flaws and a spirit to survive and ultimately forgive.

If you go to the movie – and you should, you should always support musicals – enjoy the singing. Try hard to ignore the lack of acting, and focus instead on the wonderful, elaborate musical sequences and indulge in the passionate performances. Go to see why people are talking about Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy. Let the cast of Dreamgirls sweep you away with their outstanding musical performances, and forget their cardboard acting.