What Would Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer Change About ‘The Sound of Music?’
As “The Sound of Music” celebrates its enduring legacy, the film’s stars, Julie Andrews and the late Christopher Plummer, have often reflected on their experiences and shared insights into what they might have done differently. Both legends have expressed profound admiration for the film, yet they’ve also hinted at aspects they would consider changing.
**Julie Andrews: More Nuanced Character Development**
Julie Andrews, who portrayed the beloved Maria von Trapp, has consistently praised the film for its heartwarming story and timeless music. However, in various interviews, Andrews has mentioned her wish for more nuanced character development, particularly for Maria. Andrews believes that while Maria’s transition from a free-spirited postulant to a loving governess and mother is beautifully portrayed, it could have been enriched with deeper emotional layers and more complex character interactions.
“I think Maria is a wonderful character,” Andrews has said, “but I sometimes wish we could have explored more of her internal struggles and growth. The film touches on her journey of self-discovery, but there is always more to uncover about a person’s fears and motivations.”
**Christopher Plummer: More Realistic Portrayal of Captain von Trapp**
Christopher Plummer, who played the stern yet ultimately kind-hearted Captain Georg von Trapp, had his own reservations about his character’s depiction. Plummer often felt that Captain von Trapp was somewhat one-dimensional, especially in the earlier parts of the film where he is portrayed as excessively strict and emotionally distant.
In his memoirs and interviews, Plummer expressed his desire for a more realistic portrayal that showed the complexities of von Trapp’s character from the beginning. “The Captain was a deeply troubled man,” Plummer noted. “He had lost his wife, and his strictness was a way of coping with his grief. I think it would have been more impactful to show those vulnerabilities earlier on, to make his transformation more believable and poignant.”
**Enhanced Historical Accuracy**
Both Andrews and Plummer have also highlighted the importance of historical accuracy. While “The Sound of Music” is based on the true story of the von Trapp family, the film takes several creative liberties. Andrews and Plummer believed that a more faithful adherence to historical facts could have added depth to the narrative.
“Of course, it’s a film meant to entertain, but there’s always room for authenticity,” Andrews remarked. “Understanding the real events and the historical context of the time could have provided a richer backdrop to our characters’ stories.”
**More Focus on Supporting Characters**
Another aspect both stars have pointed out is the potential for more development of supporting characters. The von Trapp children and other pivotal characters like Liesl and Rolf, as well as the nuns at the abbey, could have been given more screen time to develop their backstories and motivations.
“The children were such an integral part of the story,” Andrews commented. “Giving them more individual arcs could have made their relationships with Maria and their father even more compelling.”
**Conclusion**
While “The Sound of Music” remains a cherished classic, the insights from Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer offer fascinating perspectives on how the film could have been even more profound. Their reflections highlight the timeless quest for deeper storytelling and richer character portrayals, even in the most beloved films. As fans continue to sing along to the film’s iconic songs, these musings remind us of the endless possibilities in storytelling and character development.
