Kiss of the Spider Woman is one of my personal favorite Broadway musicals. I saw the original production with Chita Rivera in its original release back in 1993. It amazed me then and still does to this day that, despite sweeping the Tony Awards that year, it still holds a minor slot in the Kander / Ebb library. Based on the novel by Manuel Puig and the 1985 film, Kiss of the Spider Woman tells the story of two political prisoners in an unnamed South American country. Molina (played in the film by Tonatiuh) escapes the terrors of prison life by recalling his favorite films, most of which star Jennifer Lopez’s Aurora. Given the musical-based fantasy sequences, I suppose dissenters consider it a weaker variation on Cabaret. I do not agree.
So, after decades, the musical finally evolves into a film adaptation starring Jennifer Lopez in a role that, yes, I do believe she was born to play. Based on the trailer, she looks to be bringing everything she has to the role, and if she doesn’t get an Oscar nomination for this, then I don’t think she ever will. The film also looks to factor heavily in the crafts departments by offering the fantasy-based musical numbers as a tribute to old school Hollywood musicals.
As far as a Best Picture slot, that’s a lot more complicated. There were some raves out of Sundance where the film premiered earlier this year, but there were not a small amount of pans. I will admit to being disappointed that writer/director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) stripped some of the most affecting / political songs in favor of Lopez’s more uplifting dance sequences. Of course, I’ll reserve judgment for the finished product.
At any rate, here’s the final trailer and poster. Kiss of the Spider Woman debuts in theaters on October 10.
J-lo looks really strong in this. Based solely on the trailer, I’m supportive of a campaign for her here