ttslot Ricky Lee on differences between Nora Aunor, Aicelle Santos’ portrayal of Elsa

ttslot

Nora Aunor (left) in “Himala (1982)” and Aicelle Santos in “Isang Himala (2024).” Images: Courtesy of Experimental Cinema of the Philippines and CreaZion Studios

While the enigmatic aura of Nora Aunor is her defining trait as Elsa in the 1982 film “Himala,” National Artist Ricky Lee pointed out that Aicelle Santos’ take on the character highlights how an ordinary person was selected to be the chosen one.

Lee is the screenwriter of the classic film starring Aunor as the titular Elsa, who was claimed to be the “chosen one” after allegedly encountering a Marian apparition. Forty-two years later, he returned as the co-scriptwriter of the 2024 musical film with Santos taking reign as the character.

Article continues after this advertisement

The National Artist and composer Vincent de Jesus decided to adapt the film’s screenplay into “Himala: Isang Musikal” in 2003 which was first staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). It was then restaged in 2013 by the Philippine Educational Theater Association, then in 2018 by 9 Works Theatrical and The Sandbox Collective where Santos portrayed the lead character.

FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Jose Manalo, Mergene Maranan say ‘I do’ in intimate ceremony ENTERTAINMENT Yasmien Kurdi to meet with DepEd secretary after bullying incidents in child's school ENTERTAINMENT Maine Mendoza gifts 'Eat Bulaga' Singing Queens with designer shoes

According to Lee, what separates Santos from Aunor’s portrayal of Elsa, is how the latter is more “subtle” to her contemporary counterpart. He added that a person’s dark side couldn’t be properly seen in real life, which can be properly portrayed through the musical.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Kay Nora, ginawa naming mas subtle. Ang Elsa niya ay subtle na subtle lang. Lumalabas lang na enigmatic si Nora, makikita mo [kung sino siya] sa mata niya,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the media con of the MMFF 2024 entry.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Noong ginawa namin ang play and film, naging mas klaro na ang dark side ni Elsa. ‘Yung kanta niya kung [saan humiling siya] maging immortal, klaro na, mas luminaw na,” he continued.

Happening at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, the PINSCF will gather local and foreign stakeholders to discuss the latest technology and innovations, as well as share best practices in the nuclear energy industry.

Article continues after this advertisement

(We made Nora subtle. Her portrayal of Elsa is very subtle. Nora was very enigmatic, but you would know the character’s nuances through her eyes. Elsa’s dark side became clear when we did the play and film. She had a song where she asked to be immortal, which made her characterization more apparent to the audience.)

The cast, director, scriptwriter, and team behind “Isang Himala.” Image: Courtesy of CreaZion Studios

Elsa before, then now

When asked what makes Santos the “perfect Elsa” instead of a well-known actress, Lee said it is her “ordinary” nature that solidifies the stand as the “chosen one.”

Article continues after this advertisement

“Kapag may commercial appeal na, meron siyang dinadala na consciousness. Pero si Aicelle, para siyang ordinary person na gaya natin na [maaaring mangyari] ang himala. Hindi tayo Nora. Enigmatic si Nora. Chosen siya,” he said. “Pero si Elsa ngayon, chosen siya pero ordinary siyang tao. May dark side rin siya. Hindi nila pinilit na pantayan. Iniba nila.”

(If an actress has a commercial appeal, she brings an air of consciousness to her. But Aicelle is like an ordinary person who can experience miracles. We’re not Nora. Nora is enigmatic and she’s chosen. But Elsa is now chosen, but she’s ordinary. She also has a dark side. The film didn’t force itself to come close to the 1982 material. They made it different.)

The National Artist also noted that “Isang Himala” is a “tribute” to the 1982 film. “Mula noong ipalabas ito noon, matapos ay naging musikal sa entablado at ngayon naman ay naging pelikula base sa musikal.”

“Sa palagay ko patuloy itong magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang bersyon at magpapatuloy pa ang pagkukwento natin ng tungkol sa himala,” he further explained.

free play casino

(When it was first shown in theaters, it became a musical onstage. It is now a film based on the musical. I feel that it will spawn many versions and we will continue to tell stories based on miracles.)

For Lee, what makes “Himala’s” storyline relevant is how wanting a “strong figure” to take control of the public resonates until today. “Masarap isipin na hanggang ngayon, malakas siya pati na rin ang issues na tinatackle niya. Pero nakakalungkot pa ring isipin na relevant pa rin ang issues niya.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“Sa ngayon, karamihan sa ating mga kababayan ay naghihintay pa rin ng isang Elsa na magliligtas, kakapitan, at magpapakita sa kanila ang daan,” he continued. “Hindi nila nare-realize na nasa puso ninyo ang magbibigay ng solusyon, hindi si Elsa.”

(It’s nice to hear that its story remains strong today, even the issues it covers. But it makes me sad knowing that its issues are still relevant. Until now, many of our countrymen have longed for an Elsa who will save, be a pillar, and will show the right path. They haven’t realized that it is within ourselves to solve our problems, not an Elsa.)

The Pepe Diokno-helmed film also stars Bituin Escalante, Floyd Tenattslot, Neomi Gonzales, David Ezra, and Kakki Teodoro.

READ NEXT Ricky Lee on differences between Nora Aunor, Aicelle Santos’... Love Knots, December 18, 2024 EDITORS' PICK Christmas party ‘things’ that only Filipinos born in the late 90s and early 2000s can relate to Female perfectionism and where does it take us? Fake attorney’s practice in LA seized for swindling Filipino immigrants PRC: 3,058 passed CPA licensure exam Dec 2024 P45,000 bonus for Cebu Capitol workers granted Alice Guo, family slapped with falsification, anti-dummy law raps MOST READ House approves bill postponing BARMM polls Gov, mayors say no to bill splitting Leyte UAAP: UP guard Harold Alarcon coming back for one final year La Salle gears up for UAAP Season 88 with Amos, other newbies Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments