52 replies to this topic

[Annasette]

Personally I would like Jodie to win now, because she is vocally good, and to some extent I approve the empowerment of larger ladies, and I think opportunities for her otherwise are going to be quite limited. I think they will have their work cut out over the next 6 months to get her to lose more weight and move better though. And I hope they haven't already contracted someone like Burn Gorman to be Bill Sykes, because he would just be too small in comparison. But even while I say I would prefer her (it won't bother me two hoots if she doesn't win), I absolutely concur with Haz earlier who responded to someone else's comment that they had liked Jodie since the boyfriend was brought on. He said something to the effect, "And that's relevant to the casting process...How?" And I have found IDA increasingly distasteful because it has become a popularity contest rather than as done with integrity re the role. I think the final three would/should have been very different if how they sing the actual songs from the show had been taken into account.  

[art87]

I absolutely concur with Haz earlier who responded to someone else's comment that they had liked Jodie since the boyfriend was brought on. He said something to the effect, "And that's relevant to the casting process...How?" And I have found IDA increasingly distasteful because it has become a popularity contest rather than as done with integrity re the role. I think the final three would/should have been very different if how they sing the actual songs from the show had been taken into account.

It was me who said I had liked Jodie since the beginning, and I'm willing to defend the comment again. As you say, it's a popularity contest, but it always is with these things. I'n not saying whether that's right or wrong for this process, but I agree that it's not a great thing for casting in general.  My feeling is, whether you like it or not, if you're going to watch and enjoy the show, you have to play along with it. This clearly isn't the most efficient or foolproof way of casting, but it raises the profile of the production immeasurably. However, I would say that charisma is incredibly important in leading actors/actresses and is almost impossible to learn. People like Rachel and Francesca were very able, but rather uncharismatic, wheras I (and I assume many others) instantly warmed to Jodie.

And above all that, I actually think Jodie has consistently performed well on the shows. If this were a true talent show, I'm sure Rachel would be in the final too, but it isn't, she's not, and if you don't like that then it's not the show for you.

[rona910]

I just don't understand why people would shell out £60 to watch someone "nice" rather than someone who could put on a great show. Mind you having said that, I'm baffled by the way the whole competition has turned out to be perfectly honest.

[Annasette]

I understood where your earlier comment was coming from, art87. You didn't need to defend it. It wasn't that that I was really commenting on, it was the other response which effectively covered the whole issue of voting for the wrong reasons. And I was with you again until your final comment which was unnecessary and inappropriate.

But I do find this whole "fan" thing incredibly disheartening. I don't have any problem with Jodie winning and playing Nancy. You didn't have to defend her either. I have a problem with the process with its inherent flaw that the actual songs from the role are never heard! And I have a problem with the fact that the huge majority of the general public are not competent in terms of their understanding of the requirements involved. The public "warmed" to Paul Potts, a third rate failed opera singer who wasn't even close to good enough to have been successful on the professional operatic stage the conventional way. That the public "warm" to someone is really NOT automatically a genuine reflection of either their ability or charisma. And while I have no perception that Jodie is any equivalent of Paul Potts, the same essential impetus is at work. And it is too much about sentimentality.

[allthatjazz]

well thats just perthetic! I don't think it really matters how people type! Ur just a sad f***er who wants to spell everything perfectly! I didn't come on here to have an english lesson thanks.. and im sure if your so familiar with this site then you would know that forums are for different topics and talking points..so why your changing the topics for something perthetic i will never know!

It's unfortunate that you didn't come on here for an english lesson.....or to widen your vocabulary for that matter!

[art87]

And I was with you again until your final comment which was unnecessary and inappropriate.

I'm sorry if it sounded like an attack. It wasn't meant that way, and wasn't directed at you in particular. I tried to reword it about four times and that seemed the least harsh way. What I was trying to convey was that I think its pointless people getting really worked up about this, when it's very easy to avoid. Personally, I think over the three series it has become more and more manipulative and much as I'm enjoying it, I'm not sure I'd do it next time (if there is a next time).

But I do find this whole "fan" thing incredibly disheartening. I don't have any problem with Jodie winning and playing Nancy. You didn't have to defend her either. I have a problem with the process with its inherent flaw that the actual songs from the role are never heard! And I have a problem with the fact that the huge majority of the general public are not competent in terms of their understanding of the requirements involved. The public "warmed" to Paul Potts, a third rate failed opera singer who wasn't even close to good enough to have been successful on the professional operatic stage the conventional way. That the public "warm" to someone is really NOT automatically a genuine reflection of either their ability or charisma. And while I have no perception that Jodie is any equivalent of Paul Potts, the same essential impetus is at work. And it is too much about sentimentality.

Again, I think we're on the same wavelength here. As you say, comparing Jodie to Paul Potts is slightly unfair (partly because I think Joe Bloggs knows even less about opera than musical theatre, and very few know very much about either - I certainly don't claim to be a casting director). I would hope that the BBC panel (ALW in particular) wouldn't allow any girl into the final 12 unless they believed that, come December, she could do this thing really well, but considering they seem to be constantly telling people that they're "not quite ready for this yet" it does seem that there is a disaster waiting to happen!