by Laura W
Don’t cry for me, fellow geeks. If you are – please stop.
It’s one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous musicals, and the film version truly showed Madonna could act. Evita also happens to be one of the best film adaptations of a musical to date. Originating, as a stage show, in the West End of London in June, 1978, it starred Elaine Paige, David Essex and Joss Ackland. In 1996, Alan Parker directed the film adaptation starring Madonna as the title character, Antonia Banderas as Che and Jonathan Pryce as Peron, the film was a hit at the box office, despite having a mixed critical reception.
Don’t cry for me, fellow geeks. If you are – please stop.
It’s one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous musicals, and the film version truly showed Madonna could act. Evita also happens to be one of the best film adaptations of a musical to date. Originating, as a stage show, in the West End of London in June, 1978, it starred Elaine Paige, David Essex and Joss Ackland. In 1996, Alan Parker directed the film adaptation starring Madonna as the title character, Antonia Banderas as Che and Jonathan Pryce as Peron, the film was a hit at the box office, despite having a mixed critical reception.
The film, following much of the musical, follows Eva’s (her birth name) early life, her rise to power, along with her charity work and her eventual death at the age of 33, narrated by the sardonic Che. The prologue of the film announces the death of Buenos Aires’ beloved Evita. The viewer is then taken back to a 15 year-old Eva, living in a provincial town, convincing a tango singer to take her to the city of Buenos Aires. He grants her this wish. Eva proceeds through several relationships with wealthy men eventually meeting the Colonel Juan Peron and becoming the famed First Lady.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has said he has never been fully satisfied with any of the adaptations of his works, and rightfully so (here’s looking at you, Phantom). However, if any adaptation is close to the original material, it’s Evita. Madonna successfully campaigned for the title role, and more than lived up to expectations. The amount of effort that Madonna put into her character is apparent. Her voice, while a bit (and only a bit) off at times, is perfect for the role. The amount of work that went into making her look like Eva is astonishing – the costumers even set a world record for the most amount of costume changes in one film.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has said he has never been fully satisfied with any of the adaptations of his works, and rightfully so (here’s looking at you, Phantom). However, if any adaptation is close to the original material, it’s Evita. Madonna successfully campaigned for the title role, and more than lived up to expectations. The amount of effort that Madonna put into her character is apparent. Her voice, while a bit (and only a bit) off at times, is perfect for the role. The amount of work that went into making her look like Eva is astonishing – the costumers even set a world record for the most amount of costume changes in one film.
Madonna looks almost identical to the real life Eva. In the end, Madonna did Elaine Paige a beautiful justice and would go on to win a Golden Globe for her role.. Banderes plays a perfect Che, allowing the audience to forget that this is the same person who played Zorro. He brings a quiet grace to Che, which is needed. His Golden Globe nod was more than deserved. Jonathan Pryce also does a brilliant Peron.
The costumes, the cinematography, the script, the scenery are beautiful. The film managed to snag several Oscar nominations, including Best Cinematography. Andrew and Tim Rice wrote a new song, “You Must Love Me”, for the film, which won Best Song at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars. The song is gorgeous and has since been worked into future stage productions of Evita.
Evita is one of those rare stage to film adaptations that works. The roles were cast perfectly. The music is beautiful, things from the costumes to the sets are vivid, stunning. Andrew should be proud of this film, as it does do his musical justice. It’s not perfect, but it works. For Doctor Who fans, keep a keen eye out for a certain Billie Piper, who appears this film.
You must love this film.
The costumes, the cinematography, the script, the scenery are beautiful. The film managed to snag several Oscar nominations, including Best Cinematography. Andrew and Tim Rice wrote a new song, “You Must Love Me”, for the film, which won Best Song at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars. The song is gorgeous and has since been worked into future stage productions of Evita.
Evita is one of those rare stage to film adaptations that works. The roles were cast perfectly. The music is beautiful, things from the costumes to the sets are vivid, stunning. Andrew should be proud of this film, as it does do his musical justice. It’s not perfect, but it works. For Doctor Who fans, keep a keen eye out for a certain Billie Piper, who appears this film.
You must love this film.
What Do You Think?
Is Evita a musical masterpiece?
Or will you be saying Goodnight and Thank You?
Let us know in the comments!
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