Despite showing up big during awards season,Emilia Pérezhasn’t been without its controversies. The film has polarized many who have seen it, and that polarization has especially been felt in Mexico, where the movie takes place. The movie has drawn criticism due to its cultural representation, subpar Spanish dialogue, and racial stereotypes, and none of this heat has subsided despite its Golden Globe wins and its recent plethora of BAFTA Award nominations. Likely feeling that heat, directorJacques Audiardis speaking out and apologizing due to the backlash and is trying to explain the intentions behind the film.
During a chat withCNN, Audiard wanted to clarify that the film isn’t intended to be realistic and should be viewed more as an"opera.“While elaborating on the matter, Audiard said,“If there are things that seem shocking in Emilia Pérez then I’m sorry…Cinema doesn’t provide answers, it only asks questions. But maybe the questions inEmilia Pérezare incorrect.“The film, in which Audiard is the sole screenwriter, is a Spanish-language crime musical that follows a Mexican cartel leader (Karla Sofía Gascón) who gets the help of a lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) to help the leader disappear by transitioning into a woman.
Emilia Pérezhas received its fair share of praise, particularly in Europe, where the performances of the leads and the ambitious direction of Audiard have been lauded. On the flip side of that, in addition, it has received criticism in Mexico and come under fire from LGBTQ advocacy groups because of how it depicts gender transition. Having seen the film, it’s supposed to be a bit heightened, much like an opera or a bigger-budgeted telenovela. However, it’s understandable why these issues have come to light in the wake of its awards season success.
Emilia Pérez Has Been Polarizing Since Its Release
Emilia Pérez, despite taking place in Mexico, was filmed in a studio near Paris, and it also came under fire for its lack of Mexican cast and crew. Also viewed as troubling was its cartel-related storyline, which some believed exploited an aspect of Mexico that is very real, dangerous, and tragic. Some don’t believe these matters should be used as a form of entertainment, especially when critics embrace that aspect, making it a big front-runner to win major awards.
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That being said,Emila Pérezhas a lot of supporters. Emily Bluntrecently praised the filmand said back in December,“I just sawEmilia Pérez. I just couldn’t believe what I was watching. And you can’t call it a musical…it’s a completely singular experience.“Director Guillermo del Toro alsospoke highly of Audiard’s workon the film and called him"one of the most amazing filmmakers alive today.“Also, the film’s star, Gascón, who is Spanish,recently said,“It’s a pity that [critics] use so many profiles to (uselessly) attack a film with such a beautiful message and representation, instead of using them to support Mexican films and creators.“She also spoke recently about the attacks she has faced over the project, including death threats.
None of this has stoppedEmilia Pérez’sawards season trajectory. It’s expected to show up big when Oscar nominations are announced followingwinning the Golden Globefor Best Musical or Comedy, earning three SAG nominations and ten BAFTA Award nominations. It has steadily picked up steam despite all the criticism thrown its way, which, weirdly, may have just raised its profile with Academy voters to check the film out if they haven’t already.
Emilia Perez
In Mexico, a lawyer receives an unexpected offer to help a feared cartel boss retire from his business and disappear forever by becoming the woman he’s always dreamed of being.
