Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)

Director:

Hector Babenco

Writers:

Manuel Puig (novel)
Leonard Schrader (writer)

Release Date:

26 July 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a homosexual, is found...

Plot Keywords:

Male Nudity | Barefoot | Torture | Play Within Play | Story Within The Story

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 10 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

William Hurt	...	Luis Molina
Raul Julia	...	Valentin Arregui
Sonia Braga	...	Leni Lamaison / Marta / Spider Woman
José Lewgoy	...	Warden
Milton Gonçalves	...	Secret Policeman
Míriam Pires	...	Mother Molina
Nuno Leal Maia	...	Gabriel, Molina's friend
Fernando Torres	...	Americo
Patricio Bisso	...	Greta
Herson Capri	...	Werner, Leni's German lover and Chief of Counter-Intelligence in movie fantasy
Denise Dumont	...	Michelle, Leni's best friend in movie fantasy (as Denise Dummont)
Antônio Petrin	...	Clubfoot, Resistance fighter in movie fantasy
Wilson Grey	...	Flunky, Resistance fighter in movie fantasy
Miguel Falabella	...	Lieutenant
Walter Breda	...	Agent #1

Also Known As:

Beijo da Mulher Aranha, O (Brazil)

Runtime:

120 min

Country:

Brazil | USA

Language:

English | Portuguese

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Canada:14 (Ontario) | Argentina:18 | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R | Australia:M | Netherlands:12

Filming Locations:

Praça da Sé, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Company:

FilmDallas Pictures

Trivia:

Originally, William Hurt was cast as Valentin and Raul Julia was cast as Molina. During rehearsals, the two actors had trouble finding the chemistry they needed for their scenes together. They agreed to try an experiment where they would switch roles, with Hurt as Molina and Julia as Valentin. The role-switching rehearsal went so well that the two actors and director Hector Babenco decided that Hurt and Julia would switch parts for the film as well.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Luis Molina: She's... well, she's something a little strange. That's what she noticed, that she's not a woman like all the others. She seems all wrapped up in herself. Lost in a world she carries deep inside her.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Brooklyn Rules (2007)

A well-acted and well-directed film

"Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a fine portrayal of how two completely different men can come to understand one another and how unselfish love can transcend sexual preference. The story slowly reveals itself as the movie progresses, and in the end,the film is about much more than is first apparent. I admired the gutsy performances by Hurt and Julia, and the direction by Brazilian Hector Babenco, who uses long, involved shots, instead of cutting away quickly (which, unfortunately, is used so often). The film hasn't remained very well known since it was released in 1985, but it is definitely worth seeing if you can find it. 8/10