Film Review: Hairspray (2007)
One of the strengths of Hollywood is its ability to build on its own legacy, even if it does so in a roundabout way. An example can be provided by Hairspray, the 1988 period comedy directed by John Waters. Despite being the least transgressive and most mainstream of all films in Waters' career, Hairspray managed to obtain cult status. In 2002, this cult status turned into a popular, Tony-awarded Broadway musical, which was five years later adapted into a feature film directed by Adam Shankman.
Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray follows the journey of Tracy Turnblad, portrayed by Nikki Blonsky, an overweight teenager with aspirations of dancing on the Corny Collins Show, a local television dance programme. Despite her less-than-ideal proportions, Tracy's impressive dance moves capture the attention of television host Corny Collins (played by James Marsden), who invites her onto the show. This decision does not sit well with Amber Von Tussle (played by Brittany Snow), the show's lead female dancer. Tensions rise further when it becomes clear that Amber's boyfriend, Link (played by Zac Efron), is becoming attracted to Tracy. Adding to Tracy's challenges is Amber's mother, Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer), the TV station manager determined to make life difficult for Tracy. Nevertheless, Tracy stands firm not only for her own dreams but also for her beliefs in racial integration during a time marked by social upheaval in America.
As one of the more light-hearted films of its era, Hairspray is likely to entertain a wide audience. However, whether viewers fully enjoy it may depend on their familiarity with Waters’ 1988 version. Those who have seen the original might find that while Shankman’s film boasts many qualities, originality is not one of them. The musical adaptation feels somewhat redundant; much of its narrative already revolved around music and dance. While the opening number "Good Morning Baltimore" effectively sets an upbeat tone, many subsequent musical numbers lack memorability and contribute to an unnecessarily extended runtime.
Despite these concerns, Shankman's direction is commendable. The substantial budget allocated for this production has been well-utilised to recreate early 1960s Baltimore convincingly. The vibrant colours and detailed set designs immerse viewers in a nostalgic yet exaggerated version of the era. Shankman successfully captures the essence of the time while maintaining a playful tone that aligns with the film’s overall spirit.
One aspect that initially appears to elevate this version above Waters’ original is its cast. Nikki Blonsky shines as Tracy Turnblad, infusing her performance with charm and energy reminiscent of Ricki Lake's portrayal in the original film. Blonsky’s ability to embody Tracy’s vivacity and resilience makes her a relatable protagonist who resonates with audiences.
Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a strong performance as Velma Von Tussle, effectively portraying the villainous character with a blend of charm and malice that adds depth to her role—something that has been relatively rare in her filmography. Christopher Walken also excels as Tracy’s father, providing comic relief while grounding the film with his endearing presence.
However, John Travolta’s casting as Edna Turnblad has sparked considerable debate among critics and audiences alike. While some praise Travolta for his bold choice to take on a female role requiring extensive prosthetic makeup and drag performance, others find his star power distracting. Critics argue that Travolta’s presence serves as a constant reminder of the film's big-budget Hollywood production values rather than evoking the nostalgic charm associated with Waters’ original vision. In comparison to Divine’s iconic portrayal in 1988, Travolta appears somewhat less natural, which detracts from the authenticity of Edna's character.
Upon its release, Hairspray was met with enthusiasm from critics and achieved impressive box office results. Yet despite its success as a light-hearted family-friendly musical—akin to those that had previously won Oscars—it failed to replicate the awards success of Chicago, which had set a precedent for musicals at prestigious ceremonies. Some speculate that controversies surrounding alleged homophobia and Travolta’s affiliation with the Church of Scientology may have influenced this outcome—a curious irony considering that director Shankman and many cast members are openly gay.
Hairspray emerges as an enjoyable musical that successfully captures the exuberance of its source material. Its strong performances—particularly from Blonsky and Pfeiffer—combined with vibrant direction make it a memorable cinematic experience.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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