Imelda (2004)

Synopsis: The infamous widow of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos stars in her own documentary, blithely shrugging off criminal allegations and defending her ostentatious spending habits as "giving the... The infamous widow of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos stars in her own documentary, blithely shrugging off criminal allegations and defending her ostentatious spending habits as "giving the poor people someone to live through." Filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz follows Imelda's progression from local beauty queen to Jackie Onassis-style icon, to money-mad diva who collected jewels and over 40,000 pairs of shoes while her people starved. Through it all Imelda never loses her sense of detached humor. Even when discussing the attempt made on her life, she can only lament the ugliness of the bola knife her attacker used to stab her. In crosscutting footage of Filipino slums, riots, and jailhouses with scenes of Imelda opening opera houses or receiving honored guests like Ronald and Nancy Reagan--along with interviews with friends, family, and Imelda herself--a portrait is revealed of a complicated, interesting lady who manages to live in a state of blissful denial even after being tried for her crimes against the people of her country. In providing such a witty look at a corrupt political figure, IMELDA gives its subject a podium tall enough to enable her ascension to the camp ranks of Joan Crawford, Leona Helmsley, Tammy Fae Baker, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The film features great music by Grace Nono and Bob Aves. [More]

Starring: Imelda Marcos

Starring: Imelda Marcos

Director: Ramona S. Diaz

Director: Ramona S. Diaz
Producer: Jam Bonoan, Anne Del Castillo, Joji Ravina
Composer: Bob Aves, Grace Nono

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