Customer Rating: 
Summary: I suspect it may get better with time
Comment: Many reviewers have identified various weaknesses in the film version of Rent. These include overacting and lack of character development among the 8 primary characters. There are multiple plot lines that are more superficial than genuinely presented and fully developed as three dimensional characters rather than stereotypes.
And yet the translation from stage to screen was visually successful since stage-like settings were retained so that the film retained a feeling of a stage production. However, when the cameras come in close, the acting needs to be refined and toned down, which did not occur here. In fact, the boisterous overacting, over singing, could almost overpower a viewer since the cameras were too close to the actors, making them frighteningly loud and over-done. This may seem like an odd comparison but The Sound of Music, when translated from stage to screen, toned down intimate numbers and conversations so as to try to capture some sense of realism (in a highly unrealistic optimistic overly sweet film). The Sound of Music retained a sense of intimacy in many of the musical numbers, whereas Rent blasts you with every number, despite the emotional content. The overstatement that worked on the stage worked against the film with the exception of a sexy song, Light My Candle, which the characters Mimi and Roger played appropriately to the medium and the message.
Beside the translation from stage to screen, the film also had the problem of trying to reflect a point in the AIDS epidemic where the first medicines were appearing, for example AZT, but the efficacy of the medicines were limited. This period of time, 1988, was just prior to the protease inhibitor miracle of 1991-1995 when so many deaths were avoided and the life span of infected persons dramatically increased. Thus the film reflects a point in historic time in an epidemic that rapidly changed. Why should this detract? After all, La Boheime is about a prostitute dying of tuberculosis. Distance makes the difference. We are not really able yet to understand and reflect upon the various stages of the AIDS epidemic and how various stages may have impacted person's perceptions of life and death, fatality and hedonism. This would mean that with time the film and stage production would actually improve so that future viewers were be able to say "so that is what it was like on AZT in 1988."
Customer Rating: Summary: IS THERE A WORD BETTER THAN EXCELLENT?
Comment: This was my "first" exposure to RENT so I had nothing to compare it to.
I absolutely fell in love with the movie and all of the characters especially Tracie Thoms! I have all of my friends and family addicted to the movie now. I am now officially a RENT HEAD! I am so sad that I missed an entire decade of RENT. I loved the overall theme of the movie which for me was simply, LOVE, TRUE FRIENDSHIPS AND FAMILY! Tracie Thoms was so convincing in her role, it was so moving, I have cried every time, especially on the cemetary scene. I thought that everyone did an excellent job. It is so funny because, my favorite songs change from week to week and my favorite character changes from week to week;but, Tracie Thoms is my all time favorite! I was one of the people who paid the $20 to see the final stage performance at the movie theatre and I will be attending the stage performance in my city next month. TAKE A CHANGE ON THIS ONE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
Customer Rating: Summary: 2 stars out of 4
Comment: The Bottom Line:
A perfect example of a play that needs a live audience, Rent simply doesn't work as a film: characters and scenes that worked on Broadway fall painfully flat on celluloid.
Customer Rating: Summary: What a great Movie!
Comment: I always planned to see Rent (the stage version) I pass the Nederlander Theatre ALL THE TIME. I just didn't do it. When the movie came out I planned to go to and see it. (I didn't)
One I was stuck in bed with a badly sprained ankle & I ound a website where you can watch entire movies for free online. I found myself thinking of what movies I wanted to see but hadn't, I thought of Rent and pleased when the search engine had found it. I realized then that I wanted to see it for 3 years, I didn't even realize it had been out that long.
Anyways I watched it & was blown away.
I was going to wait until the holidays and ask for it as a gift, but the message of Rent had already sunk in too deep & was tired of waiting for tomorrow - NO DAY BUT TODAY right? The first day I was back on my feet I went out & purchased the 2-disc DVD & the soundtrack.
I have been listening to the soundtrack ever since & I have watched the movie at least 3 times a week since I bought it.
It is either a love or hate thing. None of my friends get it, but that's okay, it means something to me. It has changed my whole perception on life and what's important.
It's a great movie & the music is incredible. Jonathan Larson made something real. His effort causes me to question my own motives and my own abilities. Just what could I contribute if I put today first?
Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent!
Comment: An amazing movie that does justice to the original stage production. Performances are wonderful.
