Evita (1996)

The story of Eva Duarte (Madonna) who goes from a country girl in rural Argentina to the first lady of Argentina as the wife of President Juan Peron (Jonathan Pryce). Based on the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) which began as a concept album in 1976 and eventually became a successful stage musical in London's West End in 1978 and Broadway in 1979. Directed by Alan Parker (SHOOT THE MOON). The film version went through a long gestation period with different directors (Oliver Stone, Ken Russell, Glenn Gordon Caron were all attached at some point) and actresses (Meryl Streep, Michelle Pfeiffer, Liza Minnelli) also attached. Some directors declined (Herbert Ross, Richard Attenborough) and actresses turned it down (Barbra Streisand reputedly hated the show). So what did we end up with when it finally reached the screen? A ponderous musical with high ambitions and a bark bigger than its bite. I saw the original production of EVITA with Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin and moderately enjoyed it but I wasn't bowled over by it. Although she (inexplicably) received positive reviews when the film opened, Madonna is all wrong. She's not an actress and her singing voice is too thin for the material. Her big number Don't Cry For Me Argentina should be a show stopper (it was when Patti Lupone did it) but here it fizzles. Plus they take away one of the show's best songs Another Suitcase In Another Hall away from Peron's teenage mistress (Andrea Corr) and give it to Madonna, who gives it no poignance. Antonio Banderas is a decent Che and as Peron, Jonathan Pryce acquits himself nicely. With Jimmy Nail.