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:

Political | Homosexual | Prison | Homophobia | Jail

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:

O Beijo da Mulher Aranha (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:

During rehearsals, the two actors had trouble finding the chemistry they needed for their scenes together. To better understand what each needed from the other's role, William Hurt suggested they try an experiment where they would switch roles, with Hurt as Valentin and Raul Julia as Molina. The role-switching rehearsal went so well that Hurt initially suggested to director Hector Babenco that they should switch parts for the film as well. Obviously, the switch did not occur, but Hurt states that it was a very useful experiment in helping them more fully understand their own characters.

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 The Lost Boys (1987)

Powerful stuff...

This film, about two thoroughly different souls turning into each other, is one of the all-time greats. The writing is crisp, the acting is phenomenal, and the story is exquisite. I have read the book in both Spanish and English, seen the musical four times, read the script of the play, and watched this movie over and over again... I recommend it to anyone who wants a true powerhouse drama, not a schmaltzy tearjerker.