A bravura performance by the Material Girl, and everyone else in this fine cast who, except for Madonna, cannot sing, but what does it matter. This may be the best opera put on film since Kevin Klein did the pirate from Pirates of Penzance, a similarly excellent casting choice.







Above is Eva Duarte as a young women willing to do anything to get to Buenos Aires and the "big time". At left, after a series of selected lovers on the ladder of success, she becomes the bride of Juan Peron, Dictator of Argentina.







At right, Eva tells the adoring crowd below the balcony of the Casa Rosada:

"Don't Cry for Me, Argentina"




I agree with Ben Stein, who says that "Evita" is the best musical (in this case, opera) in a generation. The musical score of Evita is excellent, though it does not seem to be so on first hearing, admittedly, a problem for casual observers. The libretto is very clever, but you must listen closely to it. A second viewing may be necessary to appreciate the quality of the musical composition and the screenplay.

      And of Madonna herself, what can we say? She may have some qualities or virtues of which I am unaware. Absent this knowledge, I am obliged to look at the public face she presents, which is that of an international slut and sexual exhibitionist.
      Perhaps that is why she does so well in this role of Evita: they are soul mates.