Writer/Director Bill Condon brings his Broadway expertise (Chicago, Dreamgirls) to this movie within a movie with mesmerizing performances by Diego Luna, Tonatiuh and Jennifer Lopez, all in multiple roles. Lopez and Luna were always Condon’s first choice for the leads. But Tonatiuh, chosen from hundreds who auditioned, makes this character his own.
The film is based on the book by Manuel Puig, and the Broadway show by Terrence McNally, with music from John Kander (Chicago, Cabaret) and lyrics by Fred Ebb originally starring Chita Rivera. The premise juxtaposes horrific treatment of 70’s Argentine political prisoners Valentín and Molina (Luna and Tonatiuh) against detailed fantasy re-telling of a Hollywood movie musical that showcase JLo as 3 different characters; movie star Ingrid Luna, her character Aurora, and the Spider Woman.
Lopez sings and dances with energy and conviction playing right to the camera in elaborate well-choreographed Broadway-style production numbers shot by Cinematographer Tobias Schliessler, in one take! Director Condon includes 14, each advancing the story. You can see he was Inspired by Bob Fosse with the choreography from Sergio Trujillo and Brandon Bieber, and with Christopher Scott on “Gimme Love.” The score this time out is by Sam Davis (Beauty and the Beast and Wonka).
The costuming by award-winning designer Colleen Atwood (Chicago, Alice in Wonderland) is exquisite, especially for Lopez and her dance numbers. It’s definitely 70’s era high fashion with everything from gold lamé, and smart suits, to the sexy black Spider Woman web plastered to her body. We found her makeup too much, especial the big red lips that overtook her face.
Valentin (Luna) is a revolutionary, imprisoned by the Argentine military dictatorship for his socialist views. He quietly studies books while being deprived of food and brutally tortured so he’ll divulge the names of his comrades. Molina is a gay window dresser charged with indecency, imprisoned for his homosexuality. and being used by his captors as a pawn. The two couldn’t be more disparate. They have absolutely nothing in common, but they slowly bond, thanks to Molina’s ability to describe his favorite show and the star he reveres.
Tonatiuh surprises with his exceptional talent. As Valentin, he plays a queer prisoner with glorious descriptions of musical dreams starring his idol, Ingrid Luna (Lopez). Valentin rejects listening at first but is slowly drawn in. It becomes an escape from every terrifying day in prison. Tonatiuh imbues great passion for this role with soulful expressions and singing. Diego Luna’s acting as Valentin is better than ever. He has the biggest arc in the film. You feel his pain as he is slowly tortured by nasty prison warden Oscar, (Bruno Bachir).
Condon flips from the stark, dark frightening prison cell holding Valentín and Molina, and their blossoming relationship, to the vibrant oversaturated song and dance numbers seamlessly, thankfully, giving the audience a reprieve from their bleak existence.
Life under an authoritarian regime, the crushing treatment of dissidents plus those of different sexual orientation is becoming more prevalent around the world. Director Condon, JLo, Luna and breakout talent Tonatiuh show the worst and best of humanity, acceptance and love with emotionally charged music and dance. So pucker up for this new Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Lionsgate 2 Hours 8 Minutes R
