For many it may just be another movie, but what has been achieved with the film “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is a clear example of the power that Latinos have acquired in Hollywood.
I had the opportunity to see a preview of this movie, the story that has already stolen the hearts of many in the theater, and now arrives on the big screen with an impressive cast led by Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna. With an imposing stage performance delivered by the actor Tonatiuh.
“Kiss of the Spider Woman” is a novel by Argentine writer Manuel Puig, published in 1976 by Barcelona’s Seix Barral. The story says that that year the Gallimard editor, Ugné Karvelis, had rejected its publication in France, disagreeing with the political reading proposed by the novel regarding the character of “Valentín,” the young revolutionary. The book recounts the meeting of two prisoners who share the same cell: a political prisoner, “Valentín,” and a sexual dissident in the character of “Molina.”
Over the weeks spent confined in the cell, “Molina” tells films to “Valentín,” who interprets them from his own perspective, including the one starring the great “Ingrid Luna,” a diva of cinema of that era.
Thus the somber gray of the cell becomes colorful settings giving life to the characters of the musical.
A few days ago I had the opportunity to talk with Bruno Bichir, a member of the cast of this film. During the conversation I had with him, he made me realize how important this film is for us Latinos.
Bichir noted that before, these stories that emerged in Latin America, such as this one about the revolution in Argentina or even Evita, were led by non-Latino artists. Perhaps there was some Latino in the cast, but far from the main role. Now in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” the leading actors are Latinos.
His words ring true; before perhaps Latinos could not share the limelight of leading these big productions, but now it is a complete reality.
And indeed, according to data published by Hollywood Reporter, Latinos represent 24% of cinema ticket sales. Their influence is underscored by their presence in box office hits that set record numbers, such as Inside Out 2, where they represented 40% of the audience, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which had a 41% Latino audience.
As an audience, the numbers are high, but in cinematic projects, Latino representation on camera sits at 8%, according to the report, and only accounts for 2% of leading roles, 1% of supporting roles, and 5% of the cast. Behind the scenes, Latino directors only represent 8% and writers 4%.
That is where I go with this piece. If we are a force at the box office, we should also be a force in front of the camera or in production. Let us go out to support our own, so that their projects are the most watched. United we can do it and ensure that more opportunities are given to Latino artists, who have great talent and who can also bring to life great characters.
What do you think?
