Imelda (film)
| Imelda | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ramona S. Diaz |
| Starring | |
Production company | CineDiaz |
Release date |
|
| Country | Philippines |
| Languages | Tagalog, Filipino, English |
| Box office | $200,992[1] |
Imelda is a 2003 documentary film about Imelda Marcos directed by Ramona S. Diaz.
Synopsis
Throughout the film, First Lady Imelda states in interviews that the reason why her husband abolished Congress and declared Martial Law in 1972 was "because he so valued the idea of democracy."[2] She explains that "she needed to possess such a lavish wardrobe because it inspired the poor to dress better."[2] She also says that "she attempted to increase the cultural lives of the Filipino population by building huge galleries and theaters."[2]
Imelda claims that she had met Douglas MacArthur during his landing in Tacloban at the end of World War II who eventually insisted that she should perform for the singer Irving Berlin.[3] She sang "God Bless the Philippines" and, when she was asked by Berlin, she said , "what's the difference between America and the Philippines?"[3]
Footage from parties held by the Marcos couple also appear in the film including one held in a yacht where George Hamilton is quoted as saying "I can't give you anything but love, Imelda."[3]
Production
Diaz followed Imelda for a month and also interviews her daughter, Imee, and son Ferdinand, Jr..[2]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, and had its North American premiere in the documentary competition of the 2004 Sundance Film Festival,[4] where it won the Excellence in Cinematography Award Documentary.[4] The film was also screened within Maryland Film Festival in Baltimore, where Diaz resides.[4]
Reception
The film holds a 94% "fresh" rating from Rotten Tomatoes and a 69% "favorable" review form Metacritic.[5][6]
Reviews are mostly favorably. The website Film Threat says "a subtle change of attitude takes over the audience when watching Imelda."[2] San Francisco Gate says the film is "fascinating and impressively balanced."[3]
References
- ^ Imelda. Box Office Mojo.
- ^ a b c d e Imelda. Film Threat.
- ^ a b c d FILM CLIPS / Also opening today. San Francisco Gate. June 11, 2004.
- ^ a b c Imelda. Internet Movie Database.
- ^ Imelda. Rotten Tomatoes.
- ^ Imelda. Metacritic.
External links
- Imelda at IMDb
- Imelda at AllMovie
- Imelda at Rotten Tomatoes
- Imelda at Metacritic
- Imelda at Box Office Mojo
