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Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Let’s go on a history lesson about the politics of Brazil back in the day. The military dictatorship in Brazil was established on 1 April 1964 after a coup by the Brazilian Armed Forces, with support from the United States government. The dictatorship lasted for 21 years until 1985. The regime adopted nationalism, economic development, and anti-communism as its guidelines while also enacting a brand-new Constitution that pretty much abolished free speech and political opposition. This reign provided a model for other military regimes and dictatorships throughout Latin America.
Kiss of the Spider Woman was directed by Argentine-Brazilian filmmaker Héctor Babenco and based on the 1976 novel of the same title by Argentine writer Manuel Puig. The film is set in a Brazilian prison during a military dictatorship. In a prison cell sits two unlikely pair: Valentin Arregui (Julia) and Luis Molina (Hurt). Valentin is a political prisoner and journalist working for an anti-government revolutionary group. Molina is an apolitical, effeminate homosexual in prison for sex with a minor. While in prison, Valentin is constantly tortured and interrogated to give up information about the group he works for. Valentin hasn’t snitched on his crew and is angry when he sees others being tortured. To help pass the time, Molina recounts storylines from his favorite movies aloud, much to Valentin’s annoyance. The current film that Molina is telling is a romantic war film, but in reality, it is a World War II Nazi propaganda film. Since Molina is a child sex offender, Valentin really doesn’t like Molina telling a romantic story but soon gets caught up in the storytelling. Soon the unlikely cell mates form a strange friendship based on their support for each other. As the pair grow closer, it is soon discovered that Molina works for the prison warden and the secret police. His mission is to befriend Valentin and get information about the leftist group. As time passes, Molina must choose which side he supports, Valentin or his freedom.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I first watched this film. I honestly thought that based on the title, it would be some fantasy adventure, but damn, did it change quickly to a drama film. Honestly, it was really good when you really understood and watched the movie. The two interlocking stories almost confused me until I really paid attention. The first story is between Molina and Valentin. They are locked up, and their minds wander a lot. To keep their sanity, Molina tells stories of movie plots. Hell, you have to pass the time somehow. The movies are Nazi crime melodrama and a thriller about a spider woman. This is fascinating because it is pure fantasy.
The true story of this film is the relationship between two men in prison. We have seen movies where two prisoners get together, and they can either hate or respect each other. Molina and Valentin are from opposite ends of the spectrum in this film. Valentin is a political prisoner, while Molina is an apolitical, effeminate homosexual. Even though they are opposite from each other, both of them are going through the same experience or hell. Well, one is, and the other is snitching. First, they go through the monotonous grind every day and soon bond. As we watch, we think a major friendship will form, and they will be cool with each other. As you watch, you soon see the reasons for the pairing and why one is so affectionate towards the other. All I will say is the key word is trifling.
What can I say about the performances? They are what propelled this film and kept it going. First, I want to give MAJOR props to William Hurt, who won the Academy Award for his performance. I have seen many films with Hurt, and he impressed me with his performance. I wasn’t expecting it. He was theatrical, extravagant, and elaborate, yet he completely controlled his role.
Raul Julia was equally great. It has been a long time since I’ve watched one of his films. As his character, he showed the depth and anger of a man locked up and wanting to be free. Dude sweated like he was working hard in July. Yet, the man brings so much passion to his role that you couldn’t help but applaud him.
Kiss of the Spider Woman was a surprising film for me. Set in a Brazilian prison during the military dictatorship, two unlikely cell mates strike up a friendship. The story was appealing, with one telling stories from a Nazi melodrama film while the other is a political prisoner. The acting is great, as Hurt did a phenomenal job. Julia turned in an equally fantastic job performance. Sit down and watch this film.
