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Main >> Previous Updates >> January 2011 >> Article ID 12809
 ‘Burlesque’ with a bang | Type: Internet Article |
| | ‘Burlesque’ with a bang | Jan 21, 2011 | by J. I. Cuenca
 HER SLINKY self through countless music videos, pop siren Christina Aguilera will sizzle onscreen for the first time in Columbia Pictures’ “Burlesque.”
“It’s sexy, it’s sensual,” she promises. “The whole idea of burlesque has always intrigued me. The art of the tease, the dance, beautiful women—need I say more?”
Aguilera plays Ali, a plucky girl from Iowa who runs off to the big city to follow her dreams and lands a job at a nightclub. Yet it was her character’s heart and grit that caught her eye. Says Aguilera, who has been candid about her own childhood travails: “It wasn’t just about a girl who comes to LA and makes it big. It was a girl who had suffered and felt pain, been in seven foster homes. She doesn’t let her past make her a victim. And that to me was so appealing,” she says.
Why did you pick Burlesque for your film debut?
I’ve been offered other roles and read many scripts, but I was drawn to “Burlesque” because I liked this character and felt I could sink my teeth into her. I was sucked into the magical and beautiful world of burlesque, and I was also very inspired from my first meeting with writer and director Steve Antin, because I felt he understood the beauty of women and knew how to light them and bring out the best in them. I just couldn’t say no.
How did you get into shape for the movie?
I had dance rehearsals that started a few months before shooting the movie. And I feel like I’ve never danced before in my life before this film, even though I’ve been performing since I was 6.
Was it tough?
Yes, because I had to balance the singing and dancing with the acting. And for that I had to step outside of myself and tap into what Ali, my character, is all about.
How was that experience?
I am used to writing my own music and lyrics and expressing who I am and digging deep into myself, but doing a film is about becoming a different person. And it was hard for me at first to do that, but I adapted and realized that it was all about opening myself and getting in touch, even with past pains of mine, to get motivated and inspired for the emotional moments my character goes through.
What would you say you have in common with Ali?
I relate to Ali having many different things come her way, and also being an old soul at heart who has good instincts. And she has my voice!
How would you describe her relationship with Tess, played by Cher?
Ali constantly wants to prove herself to Tess, and they have this sort of ongoing banter throughout the whole movie. She wants Cher’s character to see her for the performer that she really is, but Tess shuns her away until they finally come together—which is an incredibly emotional moment.
How was your relationship with Cher?
Cher was great, and she embraced me from day one with open arms. Reading her e-mails of encouragement and support was like unwrapping little pieces of candy. She has been like a mentor to me, and when we get together in a room, it feels like we are old girlfriends because we just talk and talk for hours. I adore Cher and can’t say enough good things about her. I just find her the most fascinating person I may have ever met!
And you also got to work with Stanley Tucci.
Stanley is amazing, and brings such a calm and professional energy to the set that makes you want to step up your game. It’s hard to go toe-to-toe with people like Stanley Tucci and Cher, who have been there and done it before, but they were always very supportive.
How would you describe the look of “Burlesque?”
Bojan Bazelli has shot and lit this movie beautifully. I love theatricals and visuals, and it’s been great to see “Burlesque” come to life in such an amazing way.
What can you say of the dance sequences?
There is a lot of grace in burlesque, and we have taken that and modernized it in a way I haven’t seen or experienced before. I have learned so much.
And you even composed several songs!
I did! I wrote several songs for the movie, including “Bound to You” for the finale and “Express,” which is played when I start modernizing the club. It has all been a juggling and balancing act for me, but at the same time one that I embraced and am proud of.
You also sing some Etta James.
Etta is my favorite singer, and getting to perform songs like “Living in that Moment” and “I’m a Good Girl” and reinvent them in my own way was great.
Is “Burlesque” going to mark the beginning of a film career for you then?
I hope so! I would love to do another movie, but maybe not a musical, as I don’t normally like to go down the same path twice.
Opening across the Philippines on February 2, “Burlesque” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests. |
 Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer | |
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