Angelo C Louw
It says a lot when a film from the makers of Oscar sweepers like Chicago and Dreams Girls do not so much as get a nomination at the Golden Globes for their latest offering. Despite the celebrated (and utterly phenomenal) performances by its cast, its dazzling sets and wardrobe, as well as an especially timely and relevant storyline, Kiss of The Spider Woman received this shocking snub as awards season commenced. (It is the latter that I believe is behind this oversight, as the Trump administration continues its crusade on queer representation in the media)
This version of Kiss of The Spider Woman is a love story, and a musical. But it is more than a story of an odd couple (cellmates who meet in Argentinian prison, played by Diego Luna and Tonatiuh) it is a transwoman’s journey of self-discovery through the reimagination of her favorite film, starring her idol (played by Jennifer Lopez). Unlike the original 1980s film, which ironically garnered four nominations at the Globes, we’ve come a long way in our understanding of transhood and so it doesn’t lean into the “deceitful transvestite” stereotype that earned William Hurt his Oscar.
With all that nonsense aside, we get to experience the film’s lead character Molina’s tricky (and tragic) transition to womanhood in glorious technicolour. In any case, I don’t believe that this third, and queerest, installment of the Chicago Cabarét trilogy could’ve existed at any other time because of our current deeper understanding of ‘transhood’.
Now, I can go on and on about their execution and I’ll admit that I’m not entirely impartial when it comes to my idol, Jennifer Lopez, so I’d rather focus on the story itself, or instead, its significance in this growing anti-queer and, even more so, anti-trans era in the euro-dominant nations. Besides, what can I say that has not already been said about all of their performances?
As mentioned, the film’s lead slowly comes into herself as she develops this story of her idol Igrid Luna’s performance of the Spider Woman, which “coincidentally” mirrors their reality in jail at times. While Molina and her cellmate get lost in their imaginary film, they forge a beautiful bond, and this love connection has a profound impact on how she eventually sees (and feels) herself. She no longer has to live vicariously through her favourite movie star; however, it is this long relationship with her idol that provided the escape, hope and motivation to even dare to become who she is.
Divas as Icons of the Queer Community
The queer community has had its fair share of idols, and not only did they provide the soundtrack to our lives but their sheer extraordinary existence has kept us going in the darkest of times. Many like Madonna suffered greatly for their support of our community, others like Nicki Minaj and even disco queen Donna Summer have turned their backs on us. But their impact on our community and how we move in the world is undeniable (trust me, there are even academic studies on this). We saw ourselves in them on TV screens long before we started to see ourselves there. In fact, some of them ushered us into the media.
This is why when people abuse power to undo so much of the progress we’ve achieved (particularly in the media space), it is important to push back and show up. We need to go see the few films that actually represent us, and maybe support platforms that centre our community instead of those who now suddenly see us as a “risk” (even though they once aggressively tried to capitalise on the proverbial “pink dollar”). We must not allow internet trolls to come for the likes J.Lo and Beyoncé who are among those who inspire us to do and want better.
Do Not Be Swayed by Their Rage Bait
I’m not saying fall for their rage bait and become a raging keyboard warrior. But, it’s important to recognise that for a bunch of people who don’t seem to appreciate our divas, they sure spend a lot of time and resources talking about them. (It is also no surprise that certain performers who supported Trump’s opposition in the last US election are at the centre of the onslaught). But what can you expect from an administration that throws around terms like “woke” at professional journalists, media outlets and television producers like it’s an insult? (On their official social media, no less). Let’s not even talk about the apparent “very bad things” they’re trying to convince the world is happening here in South Africa… I digress.
Kiss of the Spider Woman opened to raging reviews (by film experts, of course) before internet trolls got a hold of it ahead of its cinematic release. While fighting trolls online only boosts them in the algorithm, box office sales and streaming numbers cut them out of the conversation completely.
Do Not Be Swayed By These MAGA Propagandists Who Want Queer Representation To Fail.
Why Kiss of The Spider Woman Matters for Representation
The filmmakers call Kiss of the Spider Woman a love letter to the queer community, especially during this tumultuous time. It was an absolute treat to see that queer icon-fan relationship honoured so extravagantly. I not only felt seen watching this film, but celebrated. It’s in the small things that we take for granted in our daily lives, or even try to hide from the world (the hairbrush mic or, in Molina’s case, the shower/stage curtain). When your quirks show up in a movie, you feel less alone. Your existence feels more universal. That is the beauty of representation… and that’s precisely why they’re so intent on ending it.
Kiss of the Spider Woman is currently showing at cinemas nationwide.
