Kiss of the Spider Woman

Brazil/USA 1985
119 minutes
Directed by Hector Babenco
Leading players - William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga

Synopsis

This film is set in a South American country under a totalitarian government and focuses on the development of an unlikely friendship between two prisoners sharing a cell: Luis Molina (William Hurt) a homosexual window-dresser convicted for corrupting minors, and Valentin Arregui (Raul Julia) a political prisoner who is tortured regularly. Luis endures jail life by spinning tales from films, in particular the story of a romantic German wartime propaganda movie. Slowly prejudices are broken down, Luis learning the importance of political convictions and Valentin the power of fantasy. Gradually respect, dignity, tenderness and love grows between them.

* * * * * *

An intriguing and certainly controversial Brazilian/American co-production based on Manuel Puig's highly regarded novel, this is a powerful film leaving one with strong images long after the screen darkens. Hurt and Julia are excellent as the disparate cell mates, and Sonia Braga shines in her essentially thankless roles within the fantasy world of each prisoner. Hector Babenco's direction is a masterwork of detailed camera choreography.

The film was well received on release, and William Hurt's performance was recognised with the Best Actor award at the Academy Awards, BAFTA and Cannes Film Festival, all in 1985.

Burt Lancaster was the original choice for the role of Luis but had to withdraw, and it was at Raul Julia's suggestion that William Hurt was offered the part.