Rent (2005)

This is the film version of the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical about Bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggling with life, love and AIDS, and the impacts they have on America.

Director:

Chris Columbus

Writers:

Stephen Chbosky (screenplay), Jonathan Larson (book)

Stars:

Anthony Rapp, Rosario Dawson, Wilson Jermaine Heredia

1 win & 17 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anthony Rapp	...	Mark Cohen
Adam Pascal	...	Roger Davis
Rosario Dawson	...	Mimi Marquez
Jesse L. Martin	...	Tom Collins
Wilson Jermaine Heredia	...	Angel Dumott Schunard
Idina Menzel	...	Maureen Johnson
Tracie Thoms	...	Joanne Jefferson
Taye Diggs	...	Benjamin Coffin III
Julia Roth	...	Rent Tenant
Porscha Radcliffe	...	Rent Tenant
Stephen Payne	...	Homeless Squeegee Man
Darryl Chan	...	Thug
Ken Clark	...	Thug
R.C. Ormond	...	Thug
David Fine	...	Homeless Man on Range Rover

Storyline

This rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in modern day East Village New York. The story centers around Mark and Roger, two roommates. While a former tragedy has made Roger numb to life, Mark tries to capture it through his attempts to make a film. In the year that follows, the group deals with love, loss, AIDS, and modern day life in one truly powerful story.

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Plot Keywords:

hiv positive | roommate | aids | new york city | love | 

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Taglines:

Eight friends. One extraordinary year.

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Genres:

Drama | Musical | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving drugs and sexuality, and for some strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Gaumont Columbia Tristar [fr] Sony Pictures [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 November 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bohém élet

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$10,016,021 (USA) (25 November 2005)

Gross:

$29,077,547 (USA) (30 December 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rent Productions LLC, 1492 Pictures, Revolution Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Mark and Roger are talking just after Mark's parents called and left a message, in the background you can see a poster for Akira Kurosawa's Ran. Kurosawa is also mentioned in the lyrics to the song "La Vie Boheme."

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Goofs

The film takes place between December 24, 1989 to December 24, 1990. Yet, many modern automobiles built well after 1990 are present in the film. An example are the Ford Crown Victoria NYC Taxis present in the film. Ford Crown Victoria was not introduced until 1992, nor were the current generation of these taxis present in the film introduced until 1998.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Mark, Angel, Maureen, Roger, Collins, Benjamin Coffin III, Mimi: Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear. Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes - how do you measure a year in the life? How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love... seasons of love.

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Crazy Credits

Thank you, Jonathan Larson

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Connections

Version of Mimi (1935)

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Soundtracks

"Today 4 U"
Written by Jonathan Larson
Performed by Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, and Anthony Rapp

User Reviews

Keeping an open mind.

I saw 'Rent' at a screening on Nov.12. I had seen the stage version both in NYC with the original cast as well as in LA with a different cast. The music and story has been echoing in my head for the past 10 years. So I was bound to be critical, but determined to be open-minded as this was going to be a film, not a stage musical. Chris Columbus did a wonderful job in preserving the message and feelings Jonathan Larson I think wanted people to take away with them. The changes made to bring this story to the screen were artfully accomplished. The film is gritty and sad and has a feeling of hopelessness that was difficult to transmit in a stage venue. The music that made it into the film is spectacular, and the soundtrack is indeed better than the OBC recording. The loss of several songs, though at first disappointing, works in the context of the movie. I hope all you fellow 'Rentheads' give this film the chance it deserves. I will be in the theater on opening day next week to see it again for sure.