Greetings! I’m Bill Condon, the director of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman,’ for which I also penned the screenplay adaptation. In this ‘Anatomy of a Scene,’ we’re diving into a memorable moment from the film-within-the-film.
This particular sequence features Jennifer Lopez as a glamorous fashion editor who arrives in a small village alongside the talented photographer Diego Luna and her loyal best friend, played by Tonatiuh. The tension rises with the appearance of the village’s controlling gangster, portrayed by Tony Dovolani.
It was a special reunion on set, as Tony, a legendary ballroom dancer, had previously worked with Jennifer in ‘Shall We Dance.’ As we crafted this number, Jennifer’s philosophy was clear: ‘Don’t make it easy on me.’ She pushed for intricate and demanding choreography. Her impressive move of grabbing a glass, dropping to the ground, spinning, and then rising—that was all her initiative, making the performance truly spectacular.
You’ll notice we filmed this dance in a single, wide master shot, a classic technique that allows the audience to appreciate the full scope of the choreography. The specific take I chose for the movie captures a wonderful, unscripted moment: Diego Luna, captivated by Jennifer’s incredible performance, instinctively snatches a champagne glass before Colleen Atwood’s elaborate fringe could accidentally knock it over. It was a perfect, spontaneous detail.
The choreography itself was a collaborative effort, led by Sergio Trujillo, Christopher Scott, and Brandon Bieber. This complex production required preparation across three different locations: Diego Luna in Madrid, Jennifer in Los Angeles, and our team prepping in New York. It was a constant, dynamic exchange of ideas to bring it all together.
Beyond the spectacle, this scene also subtly introduces a romantic triangle that mirrors the larger narrative’s prison drama. Diego Luna’s character is still in love with Paulina Paz, a woman from the village who is currently involved with the gangster, while Jennifer’s character represents his new affection. This emotional interplay adds layers to the unfolding story.
As one character muses, “It’s a bunch of silly clichés, but at least these new characters inject a bit of dramatic conflict.” And with a knowing glance, another adds, “Better to leave the audience wanting more. Sleep tight.”
