‘Emilia Pérez’ Director on Mashing Up All the Film’s Genres: “How Much Time Do We Have?”

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As a fan with a deep appreciation for diverse storytelling and a knack for recognizing cinematic brilliance, I can confidently say that Emilia Pérez is a masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together genres like a seasoned maestro conducts an orchestra. This French-Spanish musical drama, family saga, cartel thriller, and Trans identity exploration is not just a feast for the eyes, but a profound reflection of our complex world.

[The story contains spoilers for the new Netflix release Emilia Pérez.]

If you’re encountering it for the first time, you might be bewildered by the assortment of genres featured in the Netflix contender Emilia Pérez. In simpler terms, “This is a Spanish-language musical, family drama, cartel thriller, exploration of Trans identity, directed by a French filmmaker. It also stars Selena Gomez.

When questioned following the premiere of his latest film at the New York Film Festival, Jacques Audiard (known for “A Prophet”) expressed some hesitation, asking, “How long did we have to work on this project?

In this unconventional musical, Karla Sofia Gascón, a trans actress, portrays a male Mexican drug lord named Emilia Pérez in transition. She seeks help from Zoe Saldaña’s character, Rita, who is a lawyer. As Emilia transitions, a series of events unfold where she disguises herself as a distant relative to secretly reconnect with her wife (Gomez) and children, who believe their husband/father has perished. Throughout this journey, themes of class, violence, and identity are explored.

Tastemakers have been singing more praises for the film than its characters do songs. Critically well-regarded at Cannes, where it won the Jury and Actress prizes, the film two weeks ago was also a runner-up for the People’s Choice Award in Toronto. 

However, it harbors grander ambitions, such as Best Picture accolades, a place among the elite in Feinberg Forecast and other prognosticators’ rankings, and recognition for both lead and supporting actresses. The director prize for Audiard is a realistic goal, considering Academy voters often favor filmmakers born outside of America (they have won all but two of the annual prizes since 2010). Keep an eye out for the music categories as well; French singer Camille penned the songs and her partner Clément Ducol composed the score.

The film has been chosen as France’s representative entry, boosting its chances for the international Oscars. At Cannes, Netflix acquired the distribution rights for North America and the UK, planning to launch it this autumn.

The journey to the screen didn’t follow a simple route. Audiard transformed the screenplay from an opera he penned, derived from a novel called “Listen” by Boris Razon – a French newspaper editor who incorporated the Emilia-esque character as a minor plot in a completely distinct narrative.

In conversation with festival programmer and New Yorker critic Justin Chang at NYFF, Audiard mentioned that one chapter in his novel remained underdeveloped. He then chose to expand upon it himself.

One star, just like the audience, was taken aback by the mashup. Gomez confessed her fear during the audition process when facing Audiard for the intricate role, yet she found the final result to be a rewarding experience.

The actress expressed, “I can’t find the words, but I have a deep affection for authentic cinema.” She continued, “It feels like I’m living out the dreams I had since my childhood.” Gomez recently received an Emmy nomination for her acting on Only Murders In the Building, and has been featured in films directed by Harmony Korine and Jim Jarmusch.

You could also include the “underdog story” in your list, as described by Saldaña: it’s about rooting for characters that seem beyond redemption. When asked to explain its allure, she said, “It’s the love you feel for giving a chance to someone who truly deserves it.

At the festival premiere, Saldaña delivered a heartfelt speech, frequently discussing her co-star. She expressed, “I had the privilege of witnessing this fiery artist unite two individuals simultaneously, and I observed this woman delve into the profoundest depths of herself before revealing it to Emilia.” Regarding Gascón, she admitted, “Being beside such a powerful force of nature could be intimidating at times,” she joked.

Gascón also chuckled. “I have an incredibly wonderful bond with Zoe,” she explained through a translator. “Our connection mirrors the one between Emilia and Rita, starting from fear and evolving into love.” (Paraphrased)

Gascón expressed that she views the story as having clear ethical distinctions. “Indeed, I believe there’s a struggle between light and shadow. This movie, however, is shining an incredible amount of light on our world.

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2024-10-01 19:27