Popcorn Reviews With Cybèle: Evita

By Cybèle Elaine Werts  
CybeleW@aol.com

Popcorn Kernel Rating (four possible): 3.5 kernels for exceptional music, acting, and directing.

The only musical I’ve seen in twenty years was Fiddler On The Roof, one of my all-time favorites. So it took a while to adjust my mental construct to a movie where people burst out in song but also one where there is essentially no spoken words. People sing conversation. Yeah, it’s weird. Here’s the good thing, the score is written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the words by Tim Rice, who you might recognize from another piece of brilliant music: Jesus Christ Superstar. And yes, it does sound a lot alike. In fact, you could say that the rise and fall of an icon is pretty much the core of both stories. Because the conversation was sung, and because it was sung to tunes with the same chord progression as the Evita songs we all know so well (Don’t cry for me Argentina…), it seemed like some of the music was being branded onto my ears. If there was one complaint I have, this would be it. I need more spoken words. Nevertheless, the music was one of the strongest components of this film.

This is a true story about an ambitious woman, the child of a mother who is a mistress (not a wife) and so is branded as "less than." She is not a woman who loves men, but who loves power and so becomes a charismatic speaker and a leader of her people. Using her beauty and drive, she makes her way up the ranks until she hooks up with military leader Juan Peron. Although hated by the upper classes and the military alike, she can move a crowd of peasants to tears. Together they build a political power base for Argentina, as well as make Evita a star. At 33, she does young, but leaves behind an image that would go on forever.

The other strong component is the performances of the three protagonists, Eva Peron (Madonna), Juan Peron (Jonathan Pryce) and Che (Antonio Banderas). There could not have been better casting for these powerful and singular roles. Madonna has thrown aside her slutty diva look, and embraced a role that only in her 30’s could she play with such beauty. Madonna’s power and drive are the perfect expression for Evita, who was equally powerful and driven. Pryce’s gentle and still waters are the natural counterweight to Evita’s determination. Banderas plays Che, an embodiment of the people, a character who alternately loves and hates Evita, and dances with her in an ongoing expression of passion. All these things come alive in costumes and sets which evoke the turbulent 1940’s with a tender bittersweet. Altogether, a strong and moving film.

Suggested Gustatory Accompaniment: Martini, shaken not stirred.

Copyright 2000