I'd much rather fail than do something like 'The Chorus Line' movie, sanitized and Hollywoodized.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
If you're doing a music film, you've got to be singing about something.
I no longer do a film for the wrong reasons. I have to be convinced ethically and morally. Both the director and I have to be on the same page. There are just five songs in most films these days, and they have to be amazing. There has to be a twist in the screenplay. The editing has to be crisp. Your hard work should show, but effortlessly.
Now, it's almost impossible to go out and do a film about a new form of music.
I figured, if I failed, I'd tried something that I hadn't tried before and if one movie was going to destroy my career than I didn't have much of a career to start with. I just went for it. God willing I wasn't over the top and didn't embarrass myself.
If I did any movies I'd have to take a break from singing, because I'd want it to be really good.
If I were to do a musical, I think I would rather make a film musical.
In so many musicals today, the story is moved forward by a song. I don't think we're gonna try to do that.
I always tell young film-makers, 'Find the song that only you can sing.' It doesn't just come to you. It's trial and error and disappointment before you find, slowly but surely, the confidence to express your film-making identity.
I'd hate to see any film I'm involved in fail, especially artistically but also business-wise.
If my role in a film is meaty, and I get a good song along with it, then why not?