It's like the high school production of something you saw at Steppenwolf, with the most gifted students in drama class playing the John Malkovich and Joan Allen roles.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ebert compares a production to a high school play attempting a serious theater piece with inexperienced actors playing major roles. The analogy suggests the execution lacks the maturity of the source material.
- In plain terms
- The production feels like students trying to act in a serious adult play.
- What can you take from it?
- Casting and execution must match the tone and complexity of the material.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does ambition outstrip ability?
- How important is casting fit?
Another view
Amateur productions can succeed through charm even if they lack professional polish.
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