A heartfelt dedication at the conclusion of the musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is simply inscribed: “For Fred, Terrence and Chita.” These individuals are Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally, and Chita Rivera, essential figures in the 1993 Broadway production. Alongside composer John Kander and stage director Harold Prince, they contributed to the success of the show, which garnered six Tony Awards and ran for over a year. Despite receiving mixed reviews and dividing audiences, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is often considered a second-tier musical compared to Kander and Ebb’s more renowned works like “Cabaret” and “Chicago.”
Bill Condon faced a challenging task in adapting the complex material into a successful movie musical, but with commendable performances from the three main actors, he manages to come close to achieving that goal. Drawing inspiration from his screenplay for the 2002 film “Chicago,” Condon explores the juxtaposition of poverty and luxury, with central characters striving to escape the grim reality through the fantasy of Golden Age Hollywood musicals.
In the stage show, set in 1983 Argentina, political prisoner Valentín Arregui is placed in a cell with Luis Molina, a gay window dresser wrongfully convicted of public indecency. Condon’s script alters the initial setup by having Molina moved into Valentín’s cell under orders from the prison warden. This shift places the fantasist Molina in the realm of the hardline ideologue Valentín, setting the stage for a unique and heartfelt love story to unfold between the two contrasting characters.
While Luna and Tonatiuh deliver compelling performances, some scenes feel flat and artificial initially, gaining momentum as the relationship between Valentín and Molina develops. The movie within the movie sequences, centered around the musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” allow Condon to showcase his musical flair, infusing the film with vibrant production numbers and emotionally resonant moments.
Jennifer Lopez shines in her role as the glamorous screen star Luna, adding depth and charisma to the character. The interplay between reality and fantasy is expertly woven together, with the musical sequences serving as the heart of the film. As the plotlines intertwine, Lopez’s performance elevates the movie to new heights.
Despite some flaws in the adaptation, Luna and Tonatiuh deliver powerful performances that capture the emotional complexity of their characters. The film delves into themes of love, desire, and sacrifice, culminating in a poignant and dramatic finale. The inclusion of a diverse and talented cast adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
Overall, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” showcases the talent of its performers and offers a unique take on the original material. While some may question the necessity of a big-screen adaptation, the movie serves as a captivating showcase for the three lead actors and their exceptional performances.