The cinematic filming of this show doesn't actually mask what's problematic about the show itself (eg - inconsistent pacing, scenes that go on too long, perhaps one or two too many musical numbers, and occasionally clunky dialogue); but on the other hand, the enormously skillful camerawork and direction magnify the show's joys and pleasures and brings clarity and depth to the interrelationships of the characters and the endlessly interesting dynamic of the past echoing in on the present. This has always been Mr. Sondheim's show that lends itself most readily to a film -- after all, it is, at heart, a show biz tale -- but the ideal treatment would be to have the first twenty or so minutes of the movie actually take place at the time when the characters were their young selves so we could see, first hand, the dynamics in play ,.... and then fast forward to the reunion. (But then again, who asked me?! :-)
