Imelda (film)
| Imelda | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ramona S. Diaz |
| Starring | |
Production company | CineDiaz |
Release date |
|
| Country | Philippines |
| Languages | Tagalog, Filipino, English |
| Box office | $200,992 |
Imelda is a 2003 documentary film about Imelda Marcos directed by Ramona S. Diaz.
Synopsis
Diaz followed Imelda for a month and also interviews her daughter Imee and her son Ferdinand, Jr..[1]
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."[1] She explains that "she needed to possess such a lavish wardrobe because it inspired the poor to dress better."[1] She also says that "she attempted to increase the cultural lives of the Filipino population by building huge galleries and theaters."[1]
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.[2] She sang "God Bless the Philippines" and, when she was asked by Berlin, she said , "what's the difference between America and the Philippines?"[2]
The assassination attempt against Imelda and the Assassination of Benigno Aquino, Jr. are featured in the film.[3] Footage from parties held by the Marcos couple also appear including one held in a yacht where George Hamilton is quoted as saying "I can't give you anything but love, Imelda."[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
Critical reviews are mostly favorably.[5][6][7][8] The film holds a 94% "fresh" rating from Rotten Tomatoes and a 69% "favorable" review form Metacritic.[9][10] Film Threat says "a subtle change of attitude takes over the audience when watching Imelda."[1] San Francisco Gate states the film is "fascinating and impressively balanced."[2] In its review, TV Guide acknowledges "Imelda is an entertaining storyteller, vividly describing a life that became a national embarrassment and a camp legend."[11] The New York Times describes the film as "a devastating portrait of how power begets self-delusion."[12]
Variety gave a complex review saying: "Imelda is a balanced, evenhanded film about a subject who has always managed to provoke intemperate reactions: Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines. Adored by her legion of supporters in the manner of a second Eva Peron and scorned by as many others as an imperious dragon lady, the subject offers herself up to thorough scrutiny by documaker Ramona S. Diaz, with the not-unjustified confidence that her personal charm and persuasive powers will tilt the portrait more in her favor than might otherwise have been the case."[13]
Despite making only $200,992 in the United States,[14] it was considered as a smash hit in the Philippines where it earned more than Spiderman 2 in theaters in spite of an initial ban.[15]
References
- ^ a b c d e Imelda. Film Threat.
- ^ a b c d FILM CLIPS / Also opening today. San Francisco Gate. June 11, 2004.
- ^ 'Imelda': Don't Cry for Her. The Washington Post. July 16, 2004.
- ^ a b c Imelda. Internet Movie Database.
- ^ Walk in her shoes. Canoe.ca. December 1, 2004.
- ^ Imelda. Deseret News. December 2, 2004.
- ^ Short Reviews: Imelda. The Phoenix. August 6-12, 2004.
- ^ Movie guide. Christian Science Monitor. June 18, 2004.
- ^ Imelda. Rotten Tomatoes.
- ^ Imelda. Metacritic.
- ^ Imelda. '.TV Guide.
- ^ For a Regal Pariah, Despite It All, the Shoe Is Never on the Other Foot. The New York Times. June 9, 2004.
- ^ Review: ‘Imelda’. Variety. March 17, 2004.
- ^ Imelda. Box Office Mojo.
- ^ A walk in the shoes of Imelda Marcos]. The Boston Globe. August 6, 2004.
External links
- Imelda at IMDb
- Imelda at AllMovie
- Imelda at Rotten Tomatoes
- Imelda at Metacritic
- Imelda at Box Office Mojo
