Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)

Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a homosexual, is found guilty of immoral behaviour and Valentin is a political prisoner. To escape reality ... See full summary »

Director:

Hector Babenco

Writers:

Manuel Puig (based on the novel by), Leonard Schrader

Stars:

William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga

Won 1 Oscar. Another 12 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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 (as Miriam Pires)
Nuno Leal Maia	...	Gabriel
Fernando Torres	...	Americo
Patricio Bisso	...	Greta
Herson Capri	...	Werner
Denise Dumont	...	Michele (as Denise Dummont)
Nildo Parente	...	Leader of Resistance
Antônio Petrin	...	Clubfoot (as Antonio Petrin)
Wilson Grey	...	Flunky
Miguel Falabella	...	Lieutenant

Storyline

Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a homosexual, is found guilty of immoral behaviour and Valentin is a political prisoner. To escape reality Luis invents romantic movies, while Valentin tries to keep his mind on the situation he's in. During the time they spend together, the two men come to understand and respect one another.

---

Plot Keywords:

prison | homosexual | nazi | nazi propaganda | ambiguous ending | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Agita Productions, Inc.

Country:

Brazil USA

Language:

English French Portuguese German

Release Date:

26 July 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

El beso de la mujer araña

Filming Locations:

Praça da Sé, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$4,701 (USA) (29 June 2001)

Gross:

$31,828 (USA) (9 November 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

HB Filmes

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Chita Rivera won the 1993 Tony Award (New York City) for Actress in a Musical for "Kiss of the Spiderwoman".

---

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.

---

Connections

Referenced in Sordid Lives (2000)

---

Soundtracks

"JE ME MOQUE DE L'AMOUR"
Lyrics by Manuel Puig, David Weisman
Music by John Neschling (uncredited)
Sung by Sonia Braga (uncredited)

User Reviews

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