Review: Kiss of the Spider Woman

Year: 1985
Genre: Drama
Stars: William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga & Jose Lewgoy
Director: Hector Babenco

Overview: Political firebrand Valentin Arregui (Julia) is tossed into a Brazilian prison for sedition by the government. His bunk-mate Luis Molina (Hurt) is a pederast homosexual who spends his time retelling his favorite film, an unnamed Nazi propaganda movie. What starts out as a rocky relationship soon turns into a friendship where trust is brought to its limits.

Writing: Based off a book of the same title, Kiss of the Spider Woman leaves much to the imagination, which is kind of the point. Much of the two main character's dialogue tows the line between sub-textual to cryptic and yet so much is said and understood. The stories Molina weaves echo and even foreshadow the events taking place in the isolated prison cell and though the friendship soon leads to something more, the characters are so wonderfully three-dimensional most in the audience won't mind tender moments shared between the two leads.

Directing: Director Hector Babenco had to create many different worlds to satisfy the storyline and for the most part his efforts are successful though somewhat unremarkable. The prison cell, where most of the narrative takes place has its uniqueness and realism but Molina's escapist movie-within-the-movie, with its tan hues and cheap sets portrayed itself too hokey to be taken seriously. Babenco does deserve credit however for his exterior shots, giving Sao Paolo metropolitan character.

Acting: This movie is essentially a two man character study where most of the scenes are played out by the leads. Raul Julia's Valentin is head strong and disciplined; trying with all his will to undermine the government's ominous authority. Valentin however is sequestered from the rest of the prison population and is never seen with anyone else in the prison except his cell-mate. As a result, all his rage is released on the kind Molina. William Hurt turns in quite a performance as Luis Molina moving and speaking with a level of femininity that moves beyond homosexual archetypes. By the end of the film Molina is changed by his relationship with Valentin, so much so that he aids him in his fight not out of renewed political awakenings but out of a need to find worth in life though love.

Bankability: Though permeated by portions of violence and political intrigue, at its heart this film is a love story. Called "a gay Casablanca" this film predates Brokeback Mountain and Milk by 20 years. Though the intimate scenes are tasteful those uncomfortable with homosexual relations should watch something else, but those interested in seeing Raul Julia and William Hurt at their absolute zenith, this movie is a must see.

ALL-Factor: The relationship between the two leads was believable and made for some heart-wrenching moments including an ending I won't ruin. A lot of the humor was supplied by Hurt who managed to entertain his downtrodden bunk-mate and audience in the process. There is a level of uncomfortableness from seeing two men kissing but I suppose evolution of thought always has a level of unease.

Conclusion: Though slow at times, Kiss of the Spider Woman is an interesting little character piece that leaves a lasting impression. Though the directing can be pedestrian at times, the performances by Hurt and Julia make up for it in spades.