PARK CITY, Utah — At the recent Sundance Film Festival, Bill Condon introduced an extravagant musical reminiscent of classic MGM productions, showcasing a preview of his adaptation of “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” featuring Jennifer Lopez in a prominent role.
During the screening, audience members erupted in applause during Lopez’s musical performances, where she portrays an iconic Golden Age Hollywood actress within a narrative framework. The packed Eccles Theater later rose for a standing ovation for Lopez, who dazzled in a sparkling, spider-web-inspired dress.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” Lopez expressed, clearly moved by the enthusiasm of the crowd.
The storyline focuses on the interactions of two inmates in an Argentine prison and originates from a novel by Manuel Puig published in 1976. The tale has undergone numerous adaptations for both stage and screen, including a notable 1985 film that featured William Hurt and Raul Julia, with Hurt winning an Academy Award for his role. The original stage musical also garnered several Tony Awards during its Broadway run.
In this latest cinematic take, Condon serves as both writer and director and is currently on the lookout for a distributor. The film features Diego Luna as the revolutionary Valentin Arregui, who is incarcerated alongside Luis Molina, played by Tonatiuh. Molina, an avowed film aficionado, passionately recounts tales from a beloved musical, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” providing a temporary escape for both himself and Valentin from their grim environment.
While the film delivers captivating moments of musical joy, it also tackles profound themes surrounding gender identity. Molina shares with Valentin feelings of not conforming to traditional gender norms, initially perplexing Valentin, who ultimately finds clarity in Molina’s experiences.
In his remarks preceding the screening, Condon emphasized the film’s thematic focus on bridging deep societal divides. He referenced comments made by former President Donald Trump concerning gender, suggesting that the film presents a contrasting viewpoint.
Post-viewing discussions surrounding gender identity continued, with Tonatiuh sharing the personal struggles faced growing up as a “femme queer Latin kid” in a culture that often marginalizes such identities. He noted how he was advised that embracing his true self might hinder his acting career.
“When I received the script, I felt a deep spiritual connection to this character,” Tonatiuh reflected, describing the journey from feeling like a societal outcast to ultimately becoming the hero of their own narrative. He expressed pride in representing a wide spectrum of gender expression throughout his performance.
Most attendees were simply thrilled to experience a genuine movie musical. Condon humorously remarked, “I did write that line, ‘I pity people who hate musicals.’ All that films can accomplish is achievable in a musical format.”
Lopez shared that her aspiration to become an entertainer was sparked by watching “West Side Story” every Thanksgiving. With tears in her eyes, she credited Condon for making her dreams a reality.
