Adapted from the stage musical by the same name, “Evita” follows Eva Perón as she goes from wannabe actress to the most high, flying, and adored woman in Argentina. As the first lady of a country, she finds herself thrust front and centre into a raging revolution and has to look out for an entire country without any prior political experience after her husband, President Juan Perón’s, arrest.
While, the movie is hindered by a slightly uneven pace, I did feel reeled in by all the events that unfolded on-screen. The musical numbers are woven into the narrative so viewers can learn all about Evita and her emotional connection with the people of Argentina, who learned to love her unconditionally via song and dance. There are touches of melodrama here and there, but it isn’t over-done or overbearing.
Unpopular opinion probably, but I wasn’t entirely enamored by Madonna’s performance as Evita (she is a bit lacking in the acting department, but man, does she have the pipes!), but she grows on you ever so elegantly as the movie progresses even if she isn’t entirely believable at times. I did like her chemistry more with Antonio Banderas rather than with Jonathan Pryce (as President Perón), who gets limited scope but still holds fort especially in the tearjerker moments.
“Evita” 1996 poster (Buena Vista Pictures).
Banderas on the other hand was the clear winner here as he gives a power-packed performance of a lifetime as both a singer and actor as Ché, and carries this movie on his shoulders like a true showman. Considering this was a role made iconic by the legendary Mandy Patinkin on stage, Banderas really does fill those shoes perfectly yet does his own thing as well. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from the man! Ché is also such a well written character who acts as Evita’s conscience at times, the voice of reason in a chaotic atmosphere—and also as the voice of the people of Argentina, who are saddled by hurdles due to the coup. Also we don’t talk enough about Banderas’ singing voice. ¡Ay, caramba!, that man can hold a note…oof!
The soundtrack is easily one of my favourites and remarkably good. The costumes are picture perfect and I also loved the choreography, which makes the musical numbers even more delightful to watch. Also I’ll give Madonna brownie points for matching steps effortlessly with Banderas while pregnant during filming the dance scenes (there’s a lot of fascinating trivia behind this movie which is worth a read as well).
Also, if you’re a Whovian, look out for an early cameo from Billie Piper.
All in all, if you are a musical biopic aficionado like me, be sure to check out “Evita.” It’ll leave you enthralled.
