Les Miserables

[Umbran]

But after that point, you see more and more (though not MANY) overdubbed singing for leads in movie musicals.

Well, something we should note - most of your examples are, well, kinda old. Guys and Dolls? West Side Story? We're talking about films made when 45 rpm records were still a going concern!

Now, musicals dropped off for a while, so there's going to be a gap, but I think if you look at the more modern incarnations - Mamma Mia, The Producers, for example, replacing the actor's voice is less common. I mean, Pierce Brosnan can't seem to carry a tune even when you electronically nail it to the bottom of the bucket for him, but they kept his voice in!

There is a significant value-add for having the actors sing themselves, in terms of audience reaction. When you're trying to justify greater and greater ticket prices, the authenticity starts to matter.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Well, something we should note - most of your examples are, well, kinda old. Guys and Dolls? West Side Story? We're talking about films made when 45 rpm records were still a going concern!

Yes, they are old...in response to a comment about the practice being rare in classic, old movie musicals by Dire Bare:

Never say never, but I would be intensely surprised if very many earlier film musicals made extensive use of overdubbing

...plus, as you point out, there are not that many movie musicals being made these days anyway. But the practice continues: Andrew Seely sang most (not all) of Zac Ephron's vocals in High School Musical, for instance.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Never say never, but I would be intensely surprised if very many earlier film musicals made extensive use of overdubbing or CGI to enhance a character.

Another one which I always considered to be the classic example of overdubbing is My Fair Lady (Audrey Hepburn and, yes, Marni Nixon again)

 

[Dire Bare]

...plus, as you point out, there are not that many movie musicals being made these days anyway. But the practice continues: Andrew Seely sang most (not all) of Zac Ephron's vocals in High School Musical, for instance.

Another one which I always considered to be the classic example of overdubbing is My Fair Lady (Audrey Hepburn and, yes, Marni Nixon again)

My innocence is shattered. Obviously the practice happens a lot more frequently than I imagined, although I still believe it isn't an ideal choice or necessarily a first choice for many musical film directors. But, clearly, a common tool that folks don't hesitate to use to fix various problems or to see their vision through.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

No, no, it's not common or ideal...but if the Powers That Be want a "Face" and not a "Voice", it's a well-known tool at their disposal.

 

[Mercutio01]

Neither Phantom of the Opera (the one with Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler) nor RENT had overdubs by other singers, at least not for the lead actors. I think the idea is to do Les Mis in that same style, and since the 25th Anniversary Concert was a success (although not nearly as good as the 10th), it makes sense to raise the profile now, with actors actually singing their own parts.

 

[Tamlyn]

Mark Wahlberg, despite launching his career as a singer in a boy band...

Be careful. Let's not confuse the Funky Bunch with the Backstreet Boys. Mark was never much of a singer.


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSN8Cwit_s&ob=av3e"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSN8Cwit_s&ob=av3e[/ame]

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Oh, I understand quite well his talent level.

I also underdstand his EGO level, and wouldn't be surprised if he insisted on doing his own vocal work or walking off the project. I mean, I know how it all worked out, but there were not even whispers of such behavior.

 

[Umbran]

Neither Phantom of the Opera (the one with Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler) nor RENT had overdubs by other singers, at least not for the lead actors.

With the exception of Ms. Dawson, RENT's cast had all played their parts on stage prior to doing the movie. And there's an exception only because the original Mimi was very pregnant at the time the film was being made. That's pretty unusual for movie musicals, but did leave them in a place where overdubbing really wasn't necessary.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

An aside- I am just tickled at the depth and breadth of knowledge of musical theater and movies on display in this thread. There is hope!