In 1981, a French thriller film, initially deemed a box-office disappointment, was transformed into a cult classic decades later and is now recognized among the “Best Music Movies” of all time.
Diva, a movie that highlights the neo-noir and art-house romantic thriller genres, not only showcased a different kind of spine-chilling film but also introduced a first-time actress as the lead star.
Directed by the cinematic icon Jean-Jacques Beineix, Metacritic, a popular review aggregation website that compiles reviews from publications and critics for entertainment, whether for movies, TV shows and music albums, named it one of the greatest music films ever made.
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Securing the 30th spot, Diva joined notable music-centered films like Whiplash, The Piano, A Star Is Born and Woodstock, while Some Like It Hot, featuring Hollywood A-lister Marilyn Monroe, claimed the No. 1 spot on the list of the greatest music films of all time.
Based on the crime novel of the same name by Daniel Odier, published in 1979, the film centers on Frédéric Andréi’s character, Jules, a young Parisian moped postman obsessed with the famous opera singer Cynthia Hawkins, played by Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez.
Despite her celebrity status, Hawkins strictly refuses to have her voice recorded because of her strict philosophy about live performances.
The plot thickens after Jules secretly records her performance using high-end equipment.
However, instead of containing Hawkins’ recording, the tape was accidentally swapped with a second cassette containing the dying confession of a prostitute, pulling the unsuspecting protagonist into a dangerous situation.
The revelation includes an exposé about a high-ranking police chief tied to a major drug trafficking ring.
Although it failed to achieve massive commercial success, Diva earned major recognitions at the César Awards, including Best First Work for director Jean-Jacques Beineix, Best Cinematography, Best Music and Best Sound.
Behind the awards and nominations, one breakout performance stood out from the movie.
Fernandez, who was a real-life opera soprano, received praise and admiration from critics and viewers, noting that her natural charisma and talent stole the spotlight despite the fact that Diva marked her first major acting role in a feature film.
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Discovered while performing in a production of La Bohème, she initially declined the offer because the premise of the film featured ”murder, prostitution and drugs, and I wanted nothing to do with it,” the actress told The New York Times.
”He came backstage and asked for my autograph, then just stood there and gaped,” she shared, recalling how she was offered the role of Cynthia Hawkins, adding “I asked, ‘Is there anything else?’ ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘I have a proposition for a film.’ I was amazed.”
Amid the positive recognition and feedback from the public, Fernandez continued performing in opera houses and did not pursue a career on the big screen, making Diva her only major feature film appearance.
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