I think the problem with Kiriyan's Bill might be more of an issue of casting than performance. Kiriyan just wasn't quite the right fit for the character.
Bill is so simpleminded. He's twitchy and flaily and rather childish. So much of the cuteness and romance in the story hinges Bill's adorably stupid, hyperactive, puppy-like personality. Kiriyan has an aura of seriousness and complexity to her that I think prevents her from being a fully convincing airhead.
I really like the way you put it, and I think that makes sense.
I guess the part that distresses me is that Kiriyan is a very good actress, and I'm usually really, really impressed with her range. But I guess even for a good actress there are certain roles that you're just not fit for.
When (and I am saying when) Kiriyan becomes top, I'm hoping Hankyu doesn't give her white hat roles. Kiriyan does better when she gets something a little quirkier IMO.
I think it was probably a good thing for Kiriyan to be cast as Bill if only to show what she shouldn't do, especially when it's directly compared to Asako. Kiriyan's awesome; she just doesn't have that off-the-cuff mischievousness, that constant hovering of a little boy smirk that Asako has. For me, and this echoes baracilla's comment above, Kiriyan's such a good actor and puts so much thought and focus into everything she does that a carefree role like Bill seems forced. She does well in a complex, intricate role where she can fully explore the character's emotions (having insane little quirks also helps too ^_^). I think it'll be very interesting to see what roles she gets as top; complex roles combined with her amazing voice? I'm just hoping my bank account will be able to survive
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I think it'll be very interesting to see what roles she gets as top; complex roles combined with her amazing voice? I'm just hoping my bank account will be able to survive~
I'm really hoping they give her some villainous, Touko-esque roles. I'm worried about her getting a lot of white hat roles, but then again 9/10 times she manages to make the characters that are boring on paper interesting (ie. Gustav Eiffel in PariSora).
Taki-san ;__; Gosh, that woman is amazing. What is she up to?
I'm happy to report that she had a dinner show and recently finished starring in a musical with some other OGs.
Actually I haven't seen the Hakataza version yet, but I pretty much enjoyed reading your review. What makes your comments intriguing for me is that your view makes a good contrast to a friend mine's opinion who went to Fukuoka to see the show. She told me she liked Kiriyan's Bill better than Asako's portrayal because Kiriyan brought more depth to the character. And she said she was much moved by Kyou/Maria - Kiriyan/Bill interaction. Both of you agree on one point though, -about Shizuku. I hope I will be watching the Hakataza M&MG some time soon (yeah, I'll wait for a Sky Stage broadcast) and see what I think of it.
While Kiriyan was struggling with Bill in Hakata-za, Asako screwed up Gatsby in Nissay Theater by playing out the role with complacent shallowness. They should have switched the roles, maybe. (Hmm...I should write a review on that Nissay show...)
What makes your comments intriguing for me is that your view makes a good contrast to a friend mine's opinion who went to Fukuoka to see the show.
Well, different strokes for different folks. I'm glad to hear that your friend enjoyed the show, since it means that her performance appealed to some non-Kiriyan fanatics.
While Kiriyan was struggling with Bill in Hakata-za, Asako screwed up Gatsby in Nissay Theater by playing out the role with complacent shallowness. They should have switched the roles, maybe.
Huh, interesting. Sometimes Asako really nails her dark/angsty characters, and sometimes she just looks bored. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Rrrrrrgh. This DVD is niggling at me, and every time I read a review or an opinion of it the niggling feeling is confirmed. I know I desperately want to see it because of my beloved Sonoka and Masaki... . And yet I know the bits that aren't them will probably disappoint me a little bit. Conundrum!
Hmm. I'd say get whatever other DVDs you've been really pining for first, and then buy a used copy of this one. You're a tsukigumi fan, so it's probably worth getting eventually.
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Bill is so simpleminded. He's twitchy and flaily and rather childish. So much of the cuteness and romance in the story hinges Bill's adorably stupid, hyperactive, puppy-like personality. Kiriyan has an aura of seriousness and complexity to her that I think prevents her from being a fully convincing airhead.
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I guess the part that distresses me is that Kiriyan is a very good actress, and I'm usually really, really impressed with her range. But I guess even for a good actress there are certain roles that you're just not fit for.
When (and I am saying when) Kiriyan becomes top, I'm hoping Hankyu doesn't give her white hat roles. Kiriyan does better when she gets something a little quirkier IMO.
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I think it'll be very interesting to see what roles she gets as top; complex roles combined with her amazing voice? I'm just hoping my bank account will be able to survive~
I'm really hoping they give her some villainous, Touko-esque roles. I'm worried about her getting a lot of white hat roles, but then again 9/10 times she manages to make the characters that are boring on paper interesting (ie. Gustav Eiffel in PariSora).
Taki-san ;__; Gosh, that woman is amazing. What is she up to?
I'm happy to report that she had a dinner show and recently finished starring in a musical with some other OGs.
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That would be in-freaking-credibly awesome.
Now we have to *not* pine for it in hopes that reverse psychology will work on Hankyu...
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What makes your comments intriguing for me is that your view makes a good contrast to a friend mine's opinion who went to Fukuoka to see the show. She told me she liked Kiriyan's Bill better than Asako's portrayal because Kiriyan brought more depth to the character. And she said she was much moved by Kyou/Maria - Kiriyan/Bill interaction. Both of you agree on one point though, -about Shizuku.
I hope I will be watching the Hakataza M&MG some time soon (yeah, I'll wait for a Sky Stage broadcast) and see what I think of it.
While Kiriyan was struggling with Bill in Hakata-za, Asako screwed up Gatsby in Nissay Theater by playing out the role with complacent shallowness. They should have switched the roles, maybe. (Hmm...I should write a review on that Nissay show...)
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Well, different strokes for different folks. I'm glad to hear that your friend enjoyed the show, since it means that her performance appealed to some non-Kiriyan fanatics.
While Kiriyan was struggling with Bill in Hakata-za, Asako screwed up Gatsby in Nissay Theater by playing out the role with complacent shallowness. They should have switched the roles, maybe.
Huh, interesting. Sometimes Asako really nails her dark/angsty characters, and sometimes she just looks bored. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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I guess usually a factor of an off night or as one mentioned that the role wasn't meant for Kiriyan.
This is one performance I have yet to see but its not on the top priorities of DVD shopping at the moment I'm afraid.
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