The sun is out and what better way to celebrate with a little singing and dancing? That’s exactly what we’re getting with ‘the event of the summer’, In The Heights.
From Lin Manual-Miranda and John M.Chu comes an experience like no other, all about family, love and persevering, no matter what. I had the pleasure of attending the global conference, joined by the cast and crew. There, they spoke about their experiences and what the film means to them.
Speaking about what he would like the audience to take away from the film, leading man Anthony Ramos said that he wants the audience to feel inspired; to watch the each character go through their troubles, but have the perseverance to get through it. “Hopefully, it gives people the hope they can achieve things they set out to dream of for their own lives and themselves.” He adds.
Speaking about how the ‘spectacle’ of musicals and intimacy were merged together and how he tried to accomplish this, Quiara Alegría Hudes says:
“When I think of my favourite movie musicals, I think of the opportunity to juxtapose tremendous vision in the musical numbers with very intimate moments, being able to whisper a conversation… the opportunity to get really big and also get really up close and personal. I remember developing the screenplay, Jon and I were going back and forth a lot on ‘how big can we get? How human can we get?’ Always pushing those extremes to create that dynamism.”
Quiara Alegria Hudes
Director John M. Chu did have his worries about how he would be able to show the representation of the Latina community, but saw a common thing that his background and the Latina community have in common.
“I think that what we related on most was about dreams; I knew what it felt like even though I am not from Washington Heights, I’m not Latino. I knew what it felt like to be in my bedroom dreaming about being a director one day when that didn’t exist, someone like me didn’t exist in that position.”
John M. Chu
The fact that the film is being released in theatres… yes, theatres, makes it even more of a thrill to watch. This film seems to be madefor cinemas. Corey Hawkins who plays Usnavi’s friend, Benny says, “It’s just magic… to be back in the [movie] theatre together – that moment when the lights go down and they dim and you can just sit back and be next to somebody who is not from where you’re from, who doesn’t look like how you look but we all connect through that.”
In The Heights is an epic event not to be missed and will definitely make you feel motivated and inspired.
The film is out in UK cinemas now.
Watch the official In The Heights trailer here:
