By Jan Wahl –
Kisses for this magical film.
Kiss of the Spider Woman still lives in my head, days after seeing it: the swirling colors, deep love, survival under torture, Technicolor dreams, amazing moments of Marilyn meeting J Lo, and its gutsy art combined with heartbreaking physical connection.
This film blew my mind, but left me with a question: How did it ever get made? The movie will totally divide the audience and lose a ton of money, but those fortunate enough to get it will be rewarded by memories and emotion.
Like the 1985 film, the 2025 production tells the story of two radically different men who are in a harsh South American prison. One is a revolutionary and the other is a gay man. The latter narrates a true Hollywood musical, falling into the movies to survive. Raúl Juliá and William Hurt starred in the non-musical 1985 version inspired by the Broadway Kander and Ebb hit with the great Chita Rivera.
In this new version, Director/Writer Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters and Dreamgirls) incorporates Jennifer Lopez’s sparkling musical numbers, choreographed by Sergio Trujillo. She is brilliant in this retro glamour. Tonatiuh is this film’s deep heart, imprisoned for his sexuality. I am hoping for Oscars for this actor, Diego Luna, and the incandescent Lopez.
But, alas, few will see this film. I think its audience is the LGBTQ+ community and anyone else who is openminded. The choice of the filmmakers to beautifully portray gay lovemaking takes courage. See it on the big screen, but see it.
Remembering Diane Keaton
The moment we saw Diane Keaton as Annie Hall, we knew she was special. She brought her quirky charm wherever she went. From rom coms to drama to comic satire, this gifted artist excelled and also wrote books, was a beloved fashion icon, and designer. Give yourself a Diane Keaton Festival. What an original, and what a character.
In addition to Annie Hall (1977), I recommend revisiting Baby Boom (1987), The First Wives Club (1996), Something’s Gotta Give (2003), Love and Death (1975), Reds (1981), and Heaven (1987), which she directed and wrote.
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian and film critic on various broadcast outlets. She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
Off the Wahl
Published on October 23, 2025
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