Evita (1996)

The hit musical based on the life of Evita Duarte, a B-picture Argentinian actress who eventually became the wife of Argentinian president Juan Perón, and the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina.

Director:

Alan Parker

Writers:

Tim Rice (book), Alan Parker (screenplay)

Stars:

Madonna, Jonathan Pryce, Antonio Banderas

Won 1 Oscar. Another 18 wins & 43 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Madonna	...	Eva Perón
Antonio Banderas	...	Ché
Jonathan Pryce	...	Juan Perón
Jimmy Nail	...	Agustín Magaldi
Victoria Sus	...	Doña Juana
Julian Littman	...	Brother Juan
Olga Merediz	...	Blanca
Laura Pallas	...	Elisa Duarte
Julia Worsley	...	Erminda
María Luján Hidalgo	...	Young Eva (as Maria Lujan Hidalgo)
Servando Villamil	...	Cipriano Reyes
Andrea Corr	...	Perón's Mistress
Peter Polycarpou	...	Domingo Mercante
Gary Brooker	...	Juan Bramuglia
Maite Yerro	...	Julieta (as Mayte Yerro)

Storyline

High-flying, adored! The film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical depicting the infamous real-life story of Eva "Evita" Duarte de Peron, the wife of President Juan Peron, who rose from poverty to become the most famous Argentine woman in history. Her huge political influence and constant charity works earned her scorn and fear from the military and upper classes but adoration and love from the workers and descamisados. Evita's legendary life is displayed before your eyes as the most hated and most beloved woman in Argentina.

---

Plot Keywords:

argentina | argentine president | actress | politics | military | 

---

Taglines:

The Most Anticipated Motion Picture Event of The Year

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Musical

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, images of violence and some mild language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mandy Patinkin was considered for the role of Che, which he originated on Broadway.

---

Goofs

During a parade/riot set in 1943, an armored car is seen. The make/model is a Daimler Fox, not manufactured until the 1970s.

---

Quotes

Eva Perón: So what happens now?
Ché: Another suitcase in another hall.
Eva Perón: So what happens now?
Ché: Take your picture off another wall.
Eva Perón: Where am I going to?
Ché: You'll get by, you always have before.
Eva Perón: Where am I going to?

---

Crazy Credits

In the closing credits: "This story is fictional. Any similarity to the names, characters or history of any person, living or dead, or any actual events is entirely coincidental and unintentional."

---

Connections

Referenced in Countdown: Episode #73.118 (2015)

---

Soundtracks

I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You
(uncredited)
Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Performed by Madonna and Jonathan Pryce
Produced by Nigel Wright, Alan Parker, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and David Caddick

User Reviews

A lavish operatic adaptation of the musical

Surely Madonna was made for this role, that of Eva Duarte de Peron, a young girl from the country who rises to the top with a combination of brains, wits, political savvy and sexuality. Sure she used men to attain her dreams, but what was a girl to do in 1930s-40s Argentina? Antonio Banderas is superb as Che, the "narrator" critic, perhaps the soul of the Argentinian peasants. Banderas' background is stage musicals, and he matches Madonna in every way. Jonathan Pryce is also excellent in his role as the dictator who rises to power only with the talents of Eva. This is not your ordinary musical. Almost every word is sung, as in opera, and the whole thing works. Andrew Lloyd Webber proves himself again a master tunesmith. Besides "Don't cry for me Argentina," all the other songs (if you can call them that) are beautiful, ranging from sweet ballads to waltz and rock. The film is lavish in breadth and depth, with thousands of extras just like the old Hollywood spectaculars. No f/x here, but real people. The cinematography is also superb. This is truly a triumph, a glorious experience, totally unique in film. Highly recommended. *****

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Evita

Filming Locations:

Gellért Baths, Budapest, Hungary

Box Office

Budget:

$55,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$195,085, 29 December 1996

Gross USA:

$50,047,179

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$141,047,179

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Cinergi Pictures Entertainment, Dirty Hands Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1