EVITA

Eva Peron (Madonna) was born the illegitimate daughter of a penniless farmer. Determined to make it to the top, Eva attaches herself to a popular tango singer (Jimmy Nail) in the big city.

Eva becomes a radio and film actress, moving in influential circles within Buenos Aires society. But when she becomes involved with rising politician Juan Peron (Jonathan Pryce), the establishment disapprove and he is arrested. Eva fights on for freedom, both for her husband and the oppressed masses. Peron is freed by the people, the couple marry and Peron is elected president.

But Eva’s greatest battle is yet to come.

Film Facts:

• December 25, 1996
• Directed by: Alan Parker
• MUSICAL / DRAMA
• Madonna as Eva Peron

• Madonna had been in talks for years to play the part of Eva Peron
• She wrote Andrew Lloyd Webber a letter begging for her part, and sent the ‘Take A Bow’ video
• She wore brown contacts for her role as Eva Peron
• Madonna had some vocal coaching to train her voice and sing the difficult songs
• Madonna kept a diary during filming, which was later published in ‘Vanity Fair’
• Madonna found out that she was pregnant with Lola during filming. The filming continued, but Madonna had to sit every now and then to recover from dizzy spells
• Madonna spoke with the president of Argentina to convince him of their good intentions and the brilliantness of the movie, and to ask if they could film on the actual Casa de Rosada
• During the filming of the scene where Eva gets told she is dying because she has cancer, Madonna tried to imagine how her own mother must’ve felt when she was told the news (Madonna’s mother died of breast cancer when Madonna was only five.) Madonna spent the entire day crying
• Madonna attended the official premiere in a few countries such as Spain, U.K., Italy and the U.S.
• Madonna received a well deserved Golden Globe for her part as Eva Peron
• Madonna performed ‘You Must Love Me’ at the Academy Awards, which won the Oscar for best song