Why can't people suspend disbelief for musicals?

Question

I sort of asked this before, but maybe if I ask it a different way, I'll get closer to the answer I'm looking for. Musicals aren't terribly popular today, and the biggest reason I get for why not is that they aren't realistic. Yet, other very unrealistic movies are very popular: X-Men, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings. Why is it people are willing to suspend disbelief for action/sci-fi/fantasy movies, but not for musicals? Check out my blog post on the subject for more details: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-gSmhHxkwd6IhwNkHBKpfkw--?cq=1&p=11

Answer 1

Maybe because alot of musicals deal with real life and most action/sci-fi/fantasy movies are completely out there. The people want soemthing they can't believe is going to happen where as musicals alot of the people tend to go about real life things they just sing at random times.

Answer 2

You go into a Sci-fi movie knowing that Darth Vader does not exist, therefore you prepare yourself. Musicals are different because they are based off humans and humans just don't break out into song when the moment hits them. There are some exceptions, but in general I think this rule holds true.

P.S. I hate musicals, but my wife loves them.

Answer 3

It's not a matter of suspending disbelief.

Music has to fit the story - like it did in West Side Story and Grease - not just be thrown in as an excuse for people to sing. Then it becomes a distraction and adds nothing to the film.

Answer 4

If you are ok with foreign films you should check out some bollywood movies. These are nearly always musicals and they are very romantic and sentimental movies that emphasize family and relationships. They are fun and the music is very hip. I love them and have introduced many many friends to them. Check them out at netflix or the library or any movie rental place that specializes in foreign films.

Answer 5

I like musicals sometimes. but most of the times, the music is really out of touch.