Exploring Tonatiuh’s Captivating Performance in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’
Movie Review: Tonatiuh shines in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’
The role of Luis Molina, a gay prisoner in love with Hollywood’s Golden Age, has brought significant acclaim to various actors. Initially awarded to William Hurt for the 1985 film adaptation, it later gave Brent Carver a Tony for the Broadway musical version.
Given this background, it’s not surprising that Tonatiuh’s portrayal of Molina stands out immensely in Bill Condon’s adaptation. This relatively new talent brings a vibrant energy that captivates, even without the embellishments of elaborate musical sequences.
The narrative of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” has evolved over time, starting as a novel by Manuel Puig, which was published in 1976. The story centers on two cellmates in an Argentine prison: the romantic Molina and the serious Marxist Valentín. Their bond deepens as Molina shares tales from his beloved film, a fictional musical titled “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” featuring the glamorous Ingrid Luna.
This latest adaptation draws from the Broadway musical, with scripts co-written by Condon and the late Terrence McNally. Set in 1983 during Argentina’s military dictatorship, the film contrasts the grimness of the prison with the colorful vibrancy of Molina’s fantasy world. Initially resistant to the stories, Valentín eventually succumbs to the allure of Molina’s captivating narratives.
As Molina states, movies are a form of escape, expressing that the film within the film, while perhaps not the best ever made, offers immense beauty. The lavish visuals, Kander and Ebb’s score, and the dazzling choreography contribute to the film’s lush aesthetic. This contrast enhances the meaning behind Molina’s role as both a devoted assistant and his connection to Valentín.
While the imaginary world dazzles, the majority of the emotional weight remains in the prison cell, where the true drama unfolds. The characters represent distinct ideologies: Valentín’s rigid masculinity stands in stark contrast to Molina’s dreamy nature, yet both are capable of profound insight and resilience.
Condon’s direction showcases musical moments effectively, allowing the dancing to shine without overshadowing the narrative’s emotional core. For audiences, anytime Tonatiuh returns to the more subdued prison setting, the performance feels electric, even amid the mundane surroundings.
Rated R for language, violence, and sexual content, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” releases in theaters this Friday, running 128 minutes with a rating of two and a half stars out of four.
What are your thoughts on Tonatiuh’s performance in this adaptation?
