Selena Quintanilla Movie-Pérez, the star of Tejano music, has won hearts around the world. In 1997, a film about her life came out, called “Selena”. It was directed by Gregory Nava and starred Jennifer Lopez1. The movie made $35.7 million in the U.S. and was chosen for the National Film Registry in 20211.
Selena’s life was sadly cut short at 23 by Yolanda Saldívar, her fan club’s former president1. After her death, many unauthorized stories came out. Her dad, Abraham Quintanilla, made an official film to clear up false stories1. This film was made with a budget of $15 to $20 million and directed by Gregory Nava1.
Key Takeaways
- The 1997 film “Selena” is a biographical drama that tells the story of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
- The film, directed by Gregory Nava, stars Jennifer Lopez in her breakthrough role, earning a Best Actress nomination at the 55th Golden Globe Awards.
- Selena’s untimely death at the age of 23 prompted the Quintanilla family to work on an authorized biographical film to counter false rumors and misconceptions.
- The film was well-received, with praise for Jennifer Lopez’s performance and the portrayal of Selena’s life and legacy.
- The film has since been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry and re-released in select cinemas to mark its 25th anniversary.
The Quintanilla Family’s Musical Journey
The story of Selena starts with the Quintanilla family’s musical journey. In 1961, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and his band “The Dinos” got rejected after an audition in Texas2. They then played at a Mexican-American nightclub, but things got out of hand when they didn’t play the music the crowd wanted2.
Abraham Quintanilla’s Early Struggles
Years later, Abraham married Marcella Samora and had three kids: Abraham III, Suzette, and Selena. He saw Selena’s amazing singing talent and formed “Selena y Los Dinos” with her, A.B., and Suzette. They moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, and started touring to support the family2.
Forming the Band Selena y Los Dinos
Creating “Selena y Los Dinos” was a big step for the Quintanilla family. With Selena’s powerful voice and the family’s support, the band started to make a name for themselves. This led to Selena becoming a tejano music star and a Chicana icon2.
The Quintanilla family’s hard work and early challenges helped set the stage for Selena’s huge impact. She changed the tejano music scene and paved the way for more Latino representation in film and media2.
Selena’s Rise to Stardom
Selena Quintanilla’s journey to fame is a tale of hard work, talent, and chasing dreams. In 1989, José Behar and EMI Latin signed her as a solo artist3. That year, she released her debut album, followed by “Ven Conmigo” in 1990. This album was the first Tejano record to go gold4.
Breakthrough with Solo Albums
Her 1992 album “Amor Prohibitor” made waves with hits like “Como La Flor” and “La Carcacha”3. In 1993, she made history by winning a Grammy for Best Mexican American Album for “Live!”3 She kept touring and releasing hits, including “Amor Prohibido” in 1994 and “Dreaming of You” in 1995. This album was the first Spanish-language album to top the Billboard 200 chart3.
Becoming a Tejano Music Sensation
Selena quickly became a star in Tejano music with her unique sound and performances3. The 1997 biopic “Selena” told her story, from her early life to her fame and challenges3. Jennifer Lopez played Selena, making her story touch people from all walks of life3.
“Selena” is a cultural icon, showing the importance of Selena’s legacy for Latino identity and pride3.
The movie showed Selena’s relationship with her father and manager, Abraham Quintanilla, and her family4. It highlighted the personal and cultural aspects of her story3.
Selena’s story still inspires many, especially with more Latinx stories in popular culture4. The “Selena” biopic and “Selena: The Series” on Netflix remind us of her lasting impact on the Latino community43.
Iconic Songs and Performances
Selena Quintanilla, the beloved tejano music star and Mexican-American singer, made a big impact on music. Her 1992 album “Amor Prohibido” showed her talent, with the title track at the top of the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for nine weeks5. She mixed traditional Mexican music with ’90s sounds, winning fans and becoming a Grammy winner5.
Other hits like “Tu Solo Tu” and “No Me Queda Mas” made her a Tejano music sensation5. Her live shows were unforgettable, thanks to her energy and style5.
| Song | Billboard Rank | Album |
|---|---|---|
| “Amor Prohibido” | 9 weeks at #1 | Amor Prohibido (1992) |
| “Tu Solo Tu” | 10 weeks at #1 | Live! The Last Concert (1995) |
| “No Me Queda Mas” | N/A | Live! The Last Concert (1995) |
| “Fotos Y Recuerdos (Back On The Chain Gang)” | N/A | Amor Prohibido (1992) |
| “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” | N/A | Live! The Last Concert (1995) |
Selena’s music still touches people of all backgrounds, crossing time and place5. Her legacy lives on through movies and biopics, inspiring artists like Camila Cabello and Selena Gomez5.
selena quintanilla movie
The 1997 film “Selena”, directed by Gregory Nava, tells the story of the Tejano music star’s life and her death6. The Quintanilla family helped make the movie, making sure Selena’s story was told right and with respect6.
Jennifer Lopez’s role as Selena got a lot of praise, even getting a Golden Globe nomination6. This movie helped start Lopez’s big career in Hollywood. It’s seen as a key film that highlights Selena’s big influence on Latina representation in entertainment6.
Selena was a big hit in Spanish charts and won over fans in Mexico6. In “Selena”, Lopez sings Selena’s songs and shows her performing for huge crowds, like 100,000 fans in Monterrey, Mexico6. The movie also shows off the many outfits Selena designed for her shows6.
The film also talks about a money issue with Yolanda Saldivar, who was Selena’s killer6.
“Selena’s story is an American story, a story of a young Latina who worked hard and achieved her dream, only to have it taken away in a tragic act of violence.”
– Gregory Nava, director of “Selena”
Jennifer Lopez’s Breakout Role
In 1997, Jennifer Lopez’s career hit new heights with her lead role in “Selena.” This film told the story of the famous Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla7. Lopez dove deep into Selena’s life, studying her mannerisms, music, and style. She worked with the Quintanilla family to bring Selena’s spirit and music to life8.
Preparing for the Part
Jennifer Lopez showed her commitment to the role through intense preparation8. She was among 21,000 actresses vying for the role, a huge number compared to “Gone With the Wind” in 19398. After a tough selection, she and Constance Marie were among the final 128.
Critical Acclaim for Her Performance
When “Selena” came out, critics praised Jennifer Lopez’s performance8. Roger Ebert called it “star-making”8. Though she didn’t get an Oscar, “Selena” marked a milestone for Latinx artists in Hollywood8. Lopez was the first Latina to star in such a big role8.
Selena’s story and Jennifer Lopez’s role keep drawing in fans7. The film’s success and Lopez’s performance have opened doors for more Latinx representation in movies7.
Behind the Scenes of Selena (1997)
The 1997 biopic “Selena” tells the story of the Latin music icon Selena Quintanilla and her tragic death. Gregory Nava, a well-known filmmaker, directed the movie. He was chosen by the Quintanilla family for his ability to make films about the Hispanic experience. These films often focus on “very strong and tragic elements.”9
The Quintanilla family was deeply involved in making the movie. They helped with the script, casting, and making sure Selena’s life was portrayed correctly. Abraham Quintanilla, Selena’s father, made sure the film was true to his daughter and their family’s story. He wanted to avoid any “false rumors” or wrong interpretations9.
Gregory Nava’s Direction
Nava aimed to capture the true spirit of Selena and her family’s story. His past work focused on the Hispanic experience and “very strong and tragic elements.”9 His films, like “My Family” and “Bordertown,” showed he was perfect for telling Selena’s story.
Family’s Involvement and Approval
The Quintanilla family’s input was key to making “Selena” a true and respectful film9. Abraham Quintanilla’s direct involvement kept the movie true to life and avoided mistakes.
“The family’s involvement and approval were critical in bringing Selena’s life to the big screen in a way that honored her legacy and the Quintanilla family’s story.”
The Quintanilla family’s strong support and dedication to keeping Selena’s memory alive played a big part in making the film910.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The 1997 film about Selena had a big impact, especially in the Latino community. Jennifer Lopez’s performance made more room for Latina/o artists in movies11.
Selena was a trailblazer in Tejano music, breaking down barriers. Her story touched many, making her a cultural icon11. Her legacy keeps inspiring new Latina/o artists and fans12.
During Selena’s time, there were many negative stereotypes about Latinos. But she proudly celebrated her heritage. This brought hope to many in the community11. Even after she passed away, her music and legacy lived on, with hits on Billboard and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame12.
A documentary from 1999, “Conversations With Intellectuals About Selena,” talked more about her impact. It featured women academics of Mexican descent sharing their thoughts12. They discussed Selena’s life, her rumored relationship, and her role in Chicana sexuality12.
Selena’s death was sudden and shocking, as shown in the movie. The documentary also looked at the sexism she faced in her career. It suggests this sexism might have played a part in her death12. Her legacy is as strong as icons like Jesus, touching people across generations12.
The “Selena” film and the icon herself keep shaping how Latina/o artists are seen in movies and beyond1112.
The Tragic Loss of a Rising Star
Tragically, Selena Quintanilla, a Grammy-winning Tejano music icon, was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar on March 31, 1995, just before her 24th birthday13. Her death shocked the Latino community, leaving fans to mourn the loss of a star on the rise13. The movie “Selena” shows the sad details of her death, highlighting her huge talent and lost potential13.
Even though her life was cut short, Selena’s legacy lives on. She is still a beloved figure in the Latina/o community13. Her album “Ven Conmigo” was a hit, selling over 500,000 copies14. “Live!” won a Grammy in 1993 for Best Mexican/American Album14. The “Selena” movie in 1997 was a big hit, making it the 11th highest-grossing musical biopic ever, earning $35,281,79414.
Selena’s Untimely Death
Yolanda Saldívar was found guilty of first-degree murder in 1995 and is serving a life sentence13. She tried to appeal her conviction in 1998 but failed13. Selena was only 23 when she died13. The documentary features interviews with many people, including a hostage negotiator, police detectives, prosecutors, and journalists13.
Despite the tragedy, Selena’s legacy lives on13. In 2021, she was honored with the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award13. Her impact continues to inspire Latina/o artists and fans.
“Selena was the voice of our community. She had a rare combination of talent, beauty, and stage presence that transcended language and cultural barriers. Her tragic death left a void that can never be filled.”
– A Latina/o community leader
Preserving Selena’s Memory
Since Selena Quintanilla passed away 25 years ago, her family and legacy have been kept alive through movies and TV shows15. The 1997 film “Selena” and the 2020 Netflix series “Selena: The Series”15 have been key in sharing her story with new fans. The Quintanilla family has worked hard to make sure Selena’s life and legacy are shown truthfully and with respect15.
Selena’s music and style still inspire many fans and artists today15. Fans love her merchandise like T-shirts and cups15. There’s even talk of a Selena hologram and new music releases15. But the 1997 movie focused more on her music career, leaving out some parts of her life15.
In the 90s, Selena was known for being different from the typical beauty ideal15. Some shows, like the Netflix series, have been criticized for not fully showing her true self15. They also portrayed her dad, Abraham Quintanilla, as overly controlling15. Chris Perez, her husband, said Selena was brave and made her own choices15.
Some adaptations make Selena seem perfect, which might set bad examples for Latinas15. But the success of the 1997 “Selena” movie and the Netflix series shows people still love her story16. This proves there’s a big interest in Latino stories in entertainment and a desire to honor Selena’s legacy.
“Selena mixed Latin music with American pop, touching the hearts of many16. She became a drag icon and a symbol for those affected by AIDS16.
Selena’s story still draws people in. The efforts to keep her memory alive mean her impact will last for many years to come.
Conclusion
The 1997 biopic17 Selena, directed by Gregory Nava and starring Jennifer Lopez, tells the story of the Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. It shows her journey from performing with her family band, Selena y Los Dinos18, to becoming a star and her sad death18. The film has made a big impact, helping more Latina/o artists and stories get noticed in Hollywood.
Selena’s legacy lives on, inspiring fans and artists everywhere. Her music and the movie about her life have made her a legend in music and beyond. She is remembered for her powerful performances and hit songs18.
As the Selena movie marks 25 years, its impact is still felt. It perfectly captures Selena’s life and her bond with fans. The film stands as a tribute to a true music pioneer17. Selena’s story teaches us about the power of hard work, passion, and leaving a lasting mark on the world.
FAQ
What is the Selena movie about?
The Selena movie is a 1997 film that tells the story of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. It focuses on her life and her tragic death. Jennifer Lopez stars as Selena.
Who directed the Selena movie?
Gregory Nava directed the Selena movie. He was chosen by the Quintanilla family for his work on films about the Hispanic experience.
How was Jennifer Lopez’s performance as Selena?
Jennifer Lopez’s portrayal of Selena was highly praised. She got a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Lopez studied Selena’s life and music to bring her to life on screen.
How did the Quintanilla family contribute to the Selena movie?
The Quintanilla family was deeply involved in making the movie. They helped with the script, casting, and making sure the film was true to Selena’s life. Abraham Quintanilla, Selena’s father, made sure the film was accurate.
What was the cultural impact of the Selena movie?
The movie and Jennifer Lopez’s performance made more room for Latina/o artists in Hollywood. Selena’s story inspired many, making her a cultural icon.
How did Selena’s tragic death impact the film?
Selena was tragically murdered by Yolanda Saldívar in 1995, at just 23. The film shows how her life was cut short, highlighting her talent and lost potential.
How has Selena’s legacy been preserved?
Selena’s legacy lives on through films and TV series like the 1997 movie and the 2020 Netflix series. These projects keep her memory alive and share her story with new fans.
Source Links
- Selena (film) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selena_(film)
- “This Is The Hardest Film I’ve Ever Made”: ‘Selena’ Turns 25 – https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/selena-movie-turns-25/
- “Selena” Film Analysis: A Cinematic Tribute to the Queen of Tejano Music – Free Essay Example | PapersOwl.com – https://papersowl.com/examples/selena-film-analysis-a-cinematic-tribute-to-the-queen-of-tejano-music/
- Netflix’s ‘Selena: The Series’ celebrates her rise to stardom — and Mexican American life – https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/netflix-s-selena-series-celebrates-her-rise-stardom-mexican-american-n1249895
- Best Selena Songs: 20 Latin Music Classics – https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-selena-songs/
- Ebertfest | Home – https://www.ebertfest.com/films/selena
- JLo on 25 years since ‘Selena’ release: ‘This movie means so much to me’ – https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/jlo-25-years-selena-release-movie-means-much-rcna21541
- How Jennifer Lopez scored the role of Selena in the 1997 musical biopic: ‘She’s the one’ – https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/jennifer-lopez-selena-1997-musical-biopic-25th-anniversary-211653363.html
- 12 Things You Never Knew About The 1997 Film ‘Selena’ – https://graziamagazine.com/us/articles/secrets-selena-jennifer-lopez/
- ‘Selena’: Behind-the-scenes facts you didn’t know about the Jennifer Lopez movie – https://www.audacy.com/national/music/gallery/selena-facts-you-didnt-know-about-the-1997-movie
- As Selena Returns To The Box Office, Cultural Observers Discuss Her Enduring Legacy – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestheculture/2022/04/08/as-selena-returns-to-the-box-office-cultural-observers-discuss-her-enduring-legacy/
- On Selena’s Enduring Legacy and Impact on the Chicana Community – https://www.vice.com/en/article/selena-quintanilla-documentary-mexican-women-academics/
- Selena Quintanilla’s killer causing controversy with new docuseries – https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/selena-quintanillas-killer-causing-controversy-new-docuseries-rcna138964
- Selena Quintanilla: The tragic Latin pop icon who still inspires – https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37563550
- We Need to Talk About Selena – https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/we-need-to-talk-about-selena/
- 20 Years Ago, Biopic Helped Give Pop Star Selena Life Beyond Her Tragic Death – https://www.npr.org/2017/03/21/520986979/20-years-ago-biopic-helped-give-pop-star-selena-life-beyond-her-tragic-death
- I watched the 1997 movie ‘Selena’ again and it still holds up – https://www.thefandomentals.com/i-watched-the-1997-selena-movie-for-the-first-time-in-over-10-years/
- Selena movie review & film summary (1997) | Roger Ebert – https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/selena-1997
