On December 27, 2002, Rob Marshall's dazzling adaptation of "Chicago" began its limited theatrical run, injecting a shot of adrenaline into a genre many considered dormant. In the early 2000s, the live-action movie musical was largely a relic of Hollywood's past, with few major successes in recent decades. The release of "Chicago," a stylish and cynical take on the 1975 Broadway hit, was therefore a significant gamble. Its immediate critical acclaim and subsequent box office triumph, starting from this date, single-handedly sparked a major revival for the Hollywood musical, proving that the genre could still be both a commercial powerhouse and an awards-season darling in the 21st century.
What it is
"Chicago" is a satirical musical film set in the corrupt, celebrity-obsessed world of the Roaring Twenties. It tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses, Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), both locked up on murderer's row. They viciously compete for fame, headlines, and the services of the slick, manipulative lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), who can turn any criminal into a sympathetic star. The film's masterstroke is its narrative structure, staging the iconic musical numbers ("All That Jazz," "Cell Block Tango") as fantastical Vaudeville-style performances inside Roxie's head. This device allows the film to embrace its theatricality while maintaining a gritty, realistic tone for its dramatic scenes.
How it came to be
The journey of "Chicago" from stage to screen was a long and troubled one, spanning decades. Bob Fosse, the legendary director and choreographer of the original Broadway production, passed away before he could direct a planned film version. For years, the project languished in development hell with various stars and directors attached. It was finally revived by producer Martin Richards and Miramax in the late 1990s. Director Rob Marshall, with a background in theater choreography, was hired and, alongside screenwriter Bill Condon, devised the crucial concept of staging the musical numbers as products of Roxie's imagination. This innovative approach solved the central problem of integrating song-and-dance into a cynical crime story for a modern audience, finally getting the film a green light.
How many it sold
"Chicago" was a phenomenal commercial success. After its limited release on December 27, 2002, it expanded nationwide in January 2003 and became a box office sensation. Against a budget of $45 million, the film grossed over $170 million in North America and a worldwide total of $306.8 million. Its financial success was magnified by its stunning awards season performance. The film received thirteen Academy Award nominations and won six, including Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Zeta-Jones and the coveted Best Picture award. It was the first musical to win the top prize since "Oliver!" in 1968, cementing its status as a historic cinematic achievement.
Why it resonated
"Chicago" connected with audiences through its electrifying style, biting satire, and powerhouse performances. The film's central themes—the toxic nature of celebrity culture, media manipulation, and a justice system for sale—felt more relevant than ever in the burgeoning reality TV era of the early 2000s. Rob Marshall's dynamic direction and choreography paid homage to Bob Fosse's iconic style while creating a unique and thrilling cinematic language. The casting proved to be a masterstroke, with Zeta-Jones, Zellweger, and Gere surprising audiences with their formidable singing and dancing talents, making the fantastical musical numbers feel both grand and authentic.
Impact today
The impact of "Chicago" on modern cinema is undeniable. Its overwhelming critical and commercial triumph is widely credited with revitalizing the movie musical genre for a new generation. Its success paved the way for a new wave of big-budget musicals, including "Hairspray," "Sweeney Todd," "Les Misérables," and "La La Land," proving that there was a large, eager audience for the format. Today, "Chicago" is hailed as a modern classic and one of the best screen adaptations of a Broadway show ever made. Its themes remain sharply relevant, and its stunning musical sequences continue to be celebrated for their wit, energy, and spectacular entertainment value.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.