KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN [1985 / 2016] [Blu-ray] [UK Release]
Rare and Entrancing! A Brilliant Achievement! Greatness From Beginning To End!
Openly gay Molina [William Hurt] is imprisoned on a morals charge, sharing a dreary prison cell with clandestinely-held revolutionary Valentin [Raul Julia] who has been endlessly tortured by prison authorities in an attempt to extract information on his subversive activities.
Molina is a glib raconteur who dwells in a fantasy world of glamorous movies from yesteryear. Intensely withdrawn Valentin is a self-disciplined intellectual devoted to his left-wing political cause. In the late-night darkness of their cell, Molina spins a fantastic yarn of celluloid romance: a Nazi propaganda film involving the unlikely love affair between a ravishing French chanteuse caught up in the Resistance and the handsome Chief of German Counter-Intelligence for Occupied France. Molina continues to weave the intricate web of his story, ever embroidering the details to draw out and manipulate Valentin's emotions.
At first, Valentin is repelled yet hypnotised by Molina and his tale. Their relationship is a constant sparring match between two radically different but equally desperate human beings to maintain their identities. But gradually, a remarkably touching bond of friendship, fraternal love and self-sacrifice is formed.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1985 Cannes Film Festival: Win: Best Actor for William Hurt. Nominated: Palme d'Or for Hector Babenco. 1985 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards: Win: Best Actor for William Hurt. 1985 National Board of Review, USA: Win: Best Actor for William Hurt. Win: Best Actor for Raul Julia. Win: Top Ten Films. 1985 New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Nominated: Best Actor for William Hurt. 1985 Seattle International Film Festival: Golden Space Needle Award for Best Film. 1985 Tokyo International Film Festival: Special Jury Distinguished Award for Hector Babenco. 1986 Academy Awards®: Win: Best Actor in a Leading Role for William Hurt. Nominated: Best Picture for David Weisman. Nominated: Best Director for Hector Babenco. Nominated: Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium for Leonard Schrader. 1986 Golden Globes: Nominated: Best Motion Picture in a Drama. Nominated: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture in a Drama for William Hurt. Nominated: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture in a Drama for Raul Julia. Nominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for Sônia Braga. 1986 BAFTA Film Awards: Win: Best Actor for William Hurt. 1986 David di Donatello Awards: Win: Best Foreign Actor (Migliore Attore Straniero) for William Hurt. 1986 Film Independent Spirit Awards: Win: Special Distinction Award. 1986 National Society of Film Critics Awards, USA: Nominated: Best Actor for William Hurt. 1987 London Critics Circle Film Awards: Win: Actor of the Year for William Hurt. 1987 SESC Film Festival, Brazil: Win: Audience Award: Best Film (Melhor Filme) for Hector Babenco.
FILM FACT No.2: The story features a "film within a film," featuring Luis Molina episodically telling Valentin Arregui the plot of a fictional film called Her Real Glory ostensibly produced in Germany during Second World War by the Nazis. The film is based on the 1976 novel El beso de la mujer araña (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”) by Manuel Puig. The Argentinian author was the first to adapt his own novel as a stage play. A Broadway musical of the same name, also based on the novel, was produced in 1993. Early in development, Burt Lancaster was initially going to portray Luis Molina. During filming in Brazil, WilliamHurt and a friend were threatened at gunpoint but were let go several hours later. Since Héctor Babenco "rarely" spoke English, William Hurt took direction from him via an assistant director.
Cast: William Hurt, Raúl Juliá, Sônia Braga, José Lewgoy, Milton Gonçalves, Míriam Pires, Nuno Leal Maia, Fernando Torres, Patricio Bisso, Herson Capri, Denise Dumont, Nildo Parente, Antônio Petrin, Wilson Grey, Miguel Falabella, Walter Breda, Luiz Guilherme, Walmir Barros, Luis Serra, Ana Maria Braga, Benjamin Cattan, Oswaldo Barreto, Sergio Bright, Claudio Curi, Lineu Dias, Joe Kantor, Luis Roberto Galizia, Pericles Campos, Edmilson Santos, Walter Vicca, Kenichi Kaneko, Geogers Schlesinger, Carlos Fariello, Frederico Botelho, Sylvio Band, Paulo Ludmer, Elvira Bisso, Eduardo Conde (uncredited), Sergio Kato (uncredited), Ivan Setta (uncredited) and Carlos Augusto Strazzer (uncredited)
Director: Héctor Babenco
Producers: Altamiro Boscoli, David Weisman, Francisco Ramalho Jr., Gustavo Halbreich, Jaime Sverner, Jane Holzer, Michael Maiello and Paulo Francini
Screenplay: Leonard Schrader (written) and Manuel Puig (based on the novel)
Composers: John Neschling and Nando Carneiro
Cinematography: Rodolfo Sánchez (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Running Time: 120 minutes
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 LPCM Stereo Audio
Subtitles: None
Region: Region B/2
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Curzon Artificial Eye
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ [1985] [Portuguese: O Beijo da Mulher-Aranha] is a 1985 Brazilian-American drama film directed by Argentine-born Brazilian director Héctor Babenco, and adapted by Leonard Schrader from the Manuel Puig novel of the same name. William Hurt, Raúl Juliá, Sônia Braga, José Lewgoy, and Milton Gonçalves star in the leading roles. Beyond the intrigue of the complex story; aside from the political and moral messages that adorn the script, are two performances that elevates ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ above the standard thriller it could so easily have become.
In a prison in Brazil, two cellmate, one is a cross-dressing homosexual Luis Molina [William Hurt] and aggressive political prisoner Valentin Arregui [Raúl Juliá] forms an unlikely friendship as Luis recounts one of his favourite films to pass the time. At first, Valentin is repelled yet hypnotised by Molina and his tale. Their relationship is a constant sparring match between two radically different but equally desperate human beings to maintain their identities. But gradually, a remarkably touching bond of friendship, fraternal love and self-sacrifice is formed.
Much of the film takes place within the restricted confines of the cell, developing the relationship between these two men but, just as I began to tire of the limitations, plot developments drop in to add some much-welcomed momentum to the story. It's almost a film of two halves, building up the bond to begin with, then showing the effect it has had on these two men as the outside world imposes upon their inside lives, and it's extremely well handled. Similarly the depiction of the film William Hurt's Luis Molina is describing is very well done too. In comparison to the "real" world in the cell, the film is shown with broader acting and characters, and deliberate plotting and staging. This is partly due to the type of film, which is a German wartime propaganda piece and also because it's Luis Molina's recollection being told to Valentin Arregui, so much will get lost in the re-telling. The beauty of William Hurt's performance really comes through as he narrated these segments, often making the film-within-a-film sound more enticing than it is depicted visually on screen.
The real pleasure comes from just watching these two great actors working together in the harsh prison environment. There's a definite bond between them, shown no greater than the single-take scene of Luis stripping and cleaning Valentin Arregui for reasons I won't disclose. It's a touching act of compassion that proves to be the inciting incident between the two.
‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ has lost none of its power over the years. The simplicity of its setting, in opposition to the complexity of the relationships, takes it outside time. While it's true that some of the late scenes transpire outside of the prison, one doesn't recall them with the clarity or the force of the interaction between Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui. For a film in which one of the characters has a strong political backstory, ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ is surprisingly apolitical. Although Valentin Arregui is being tortured and brutalized by a corrupt, totalitarian regime for Marxist ideals, the film is careful to keep things generic: no specific country or government is identified and no details are provided. ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ is about relationships and how one views life, not about the oppression of people in South American dictatorships.
The late Raúl Juliá is William Hurt's perfect foil: the rugged, macho Marxist revolutionary who must admit to being less of an idealist than his persona might indicate, and who has difficulty coping with his affection for his cellmate. In ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN,’ William Hurt's is the showy role while Julia's is the more grounded. Sonia Braga, who did not know English at the time, was forced to pronounce words phonetically. This approach is oddly effective since she is seen primarily in fantasy sequences and film re-creations. It emphasises the unreality of the circumstances and the cheesiness of the productions with which Luis Molina is infatuated.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN MUSIC TRACK LIST
JE ME MOQUE DE L'AMOUR (Lyrics by Manuel Puig, David Weisman) (Music by John Neschling) (uncredited) [Sung by Sônia Braga] (uncredited)
LA MARSEILLAISE (uncredited) (Written by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle) [Heard during one of the scenes of Molina's story]
Blu-ray Image Quality – The Curzon Artificial Eye ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ film is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and is also presented in a superb 1080p image and it has a decent sharp print during the prison daylight scenes, but in the film with scenes of William Hurt there tends to be some very soft focus, but maybe that’s the intention. Colour reproduction looks very good and the black colour levels are fairly strong throughout, but some fine detail is lost in the shadows and in the darker scenes of the film. The colour scenes in the film are stable and appear very natural looking, and all in all are very good. Now and again you get some tiny flecks occasionally pop up here and there, but there are no large debris, cuts, damage marks, stains, or torn frames to report in our review for this brilliant Region B/2 Blu-ray disc, so well done Curzon Artificial Eye for all your sterling work. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – The Curzon Artificial Eye ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ film is presented with only two audio tracks and they are 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio and a 2.0 LPCM Stereo Audio track as an option, but while it has a wonderful score from Nando Carneiro and John Neschling, but the film was originally shot in mono and there’s nothing spectacular in the audio department in terms of stereo separation, but the film score gets prominence in certain parts of the film with especially the 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio mix, and your rear speakers get some good workout. Purists may opt for the 2.0 LPCM Stereo Audio track mix and there is nothing wrong with that at all, as it still sounds pretty good here. The 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio track mix opens things up a bit, and while the film remains primarily a “front speaker mix” production, it spreads the film music score around quite nicely and is very effective. Overall, the audio levels are well balanced and the film sounds just fine regardless what audio option you choose, so happy listening folks, as you will not be disappointed.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Tangled Web: Making of ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ [2008] [480i] [1.37:1] [108:34] This is a wonderful and fascinating documentary, is brought to you by I•C•R•A [Independent Cinema Restoration Archive], which runs almost as long as the film itself. This special feature starts off with Peter Dekom [Attorney] who is also the Founding Chairman of American Cinemateque, who informs us that the world in 1983 was not really geared up to a high quality, high profile actors and Art Film, that did not fit into any kind of genre way back in the 1980s, especially making a film ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ which was a marketing nightmare confess that it was a daunting challenges and profound satisfactions of creating this watershed film which almost never made it to the big screen. Tangled Web: Making of ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ special feature is a strange odyssey from novel to film and is chronicled in this brilliant documentary, at one point Burt Lancaster had a real mysterious obsession and was desperate to play the part of the gay Molina, and we get to hear that Burt Lancaster was originally considered for the role of Luis Molina, on the back of him having a comeback after his appearance in the 1980’s film ‘Atlantic City,’ directed by Louis Malle. But because of his frustration in taken over 12 months to get the film off the ground, Burt Lancaster decided to pull out and finally let William Hurt get the go ahead to appear in the film, especially when he read the script, he longed to appear in the film and of course his wish was granted. To get the project off the ground, they wanted Raúl Juliá [Actor], who was very excited and was eager to sign up, especially with everyone involved with the film had seen some of his films, but what was also interesting is that Gene Parseghian was the same agent for William Hurt and that is why the two actors got to work together. Director Hector Babenco's had an epic struggle and frustration with the author Manuel Puig, and the film was the birth of today's independent cinema and these are all chapters in the startling saga behind this timeless gem and filmmaker David Weisman's Tangled Web: Making of ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ captures many of the unique and emotionally charged moments that serendipitously turned this courageous film into a total masterpiece. We move to 1984, where they start to edit the film, which was a total nightmare, because the director had lost interest and had gone off on another project, so Mauro Alice [Film Editor] had to take charge and sort it all out himself, but informs us that it was like solving a mind-boggling puzzle, especially with the problematic in figuring out how to integrate the film-within-a-film scenario, because you never knew exactly which of the two part of the film was more important, especially the real life story taking place within the cell of the prison or the film fantasy being told as an escape. But on the first screening they found the film was well over three hours long. When it was shown at the New York Film Festival it was a total disaster, so while in New York they did a total new edit in the hope of rescuing the film. Then in 1985 it was to be given a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, but the committee were not happy and they had to do another massive new edit to tighten up the ending, as well as having a brand new sound track done. So when the film was finally given a premiere the word went round like wild fire, with a total massive interest and you now had people flying in from The Hollywood Reporter, CBS Television network and the film distributors Island Alive who wanted to know more about the film, which in turn became a hot topic at the Cannes Film Festival. But at the end of the film being previewed by the Cannes audience it got the longest ovation ever at the Cannes Film Festival. The finally in 1985 it opened at one cinema in New York and in one week it had made $108,778, which was a total record for an Independent film of this genre and in the end because people were clamouring to see it they had to do a 24 hour screening. Because the film was so hot Island Alive were bombarded for more prints and in the end had to leave the receiver off the phone. By 1986 it was winning massive amounts of Awards and of course eventually it was entered into the Oscars® and it finally got the recognition it deserved. But what was so special about this film, it was the first Independent film to win at the Academy Awards® and set the ball rolling for future Independent films at the Academy Awards® and of course the film changed the lives forever involved with the film and all were very proud and honoured to be involved with such a classic Independent film, that as you will see nearly did not make it to the silver screen, but of course with the enthusiasm and endeavour in making this film, it has endured the test of time. Contributors include: David Weisman [Producer], Hector Babenco [Director], Sonia Brago [Actress], William Hurt [Actor], Manuel Puig [Author], Dr. Sam L Grogg [Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences], Patricio Bisso [Costume Designer/Actor], Raúl Juliá [Actor], Gene Parseghian [Agent], Michael Maiello [Associate Producer], Jane Holzer [Associate Producer], Altamiro Boscoli [Attorney/Associated Producer], Leonard Schrader [Screenwriter] and Mauro Alice [Film Editor]. This was a film by David Weisman. Producer: David Weisman. Screenplay: Leonard Shrader. Composer: Michael Hay. Cinematography: Rodolfo Sanchez.
Theatrical Trailer [1985] [1080p] [1.85:1] [2:38] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.’ This is a new trailer from again the I•C•R•A [Independent Cinema Restoration Archive]. This is a totally brilliant terrific presentation. We also get to see all the fantastic glowing quotes from all the critics who were bowled over by the film, praising this brilliant Independent film.
Special Feature: Manuel Puig Mini-Documentary: The Submissive Woman's Role [2008] [1080p] [1.37:1] [9:06] Once again I•C•R•A [Independent Cinema Restoration Archive] brings us another interesting special that features the Author Manuel Puig [1932 – 1990], who gives us an audio commentary about his life story, especially telling us that he was born in Argentina and life was very poor and very rural, but the one ray of hope in his life was visiting the local cinema regular to get away from the dull existence he had to endure and would rather spend all his time at the cinema, especially watching all the Hollywood films and seeing all the glamourous Hollywood actresses appear on the screen. But in real life he felt betrayed from the Military Junta running his country, which we get to see in newsreels. But because the Military Junta knew about Manuel Puig political views against the Junta, he was ordered and threatened to leave Argentina, otherwise he would be arrested. So eventually he met loads of political prisoners that were released from jail and asked about their experiences and wrote all this information down that eventually went towards his novel “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” But when Manuel Puig became very successful outside his native country Argentina, people in Argentina finally got to read his novels, especially “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” and he finally became an overnight success. But what was really nice is hearing the voice of Manuel Puig, who must have been recorded at a certain venue that was recorded in front of a live audience and sounded like the whole session was a total delight. Narrated by Beverly D’Angelo. Composer: Gabriel Rotello.
Special Feature: Slide Show Commentary: Transitions from Novel to Film [2008] [1080p] [1.37:1] [36:06] Once again I•C•R•A [Independent Cinema Restoration Archive] brings us another interesting special that features an archival feature that focuses on the novel that inspired the film as well as the structure of the narrative and its key themes. Here you get the narrator talk through some of the changes from the novel to the film. You also get loads of images from the film that the narrator relates to sections in the book that are relevant to parts of the beautiful Manuel Puig novel. This is a very nice bonus and explains in great detail why the novel was so ideal storyline that was so successfully transferred to the silver screen. All in all it is a brilliant presentation and a really nice bonus. Commentary Written and Narrated by Norman Lavers. Producers: David Weisman and Sarah Weise.
Special Feature: Photo Gallery: This special feature is spilt up into three separate categories, and they are Costume Gallery [00:51]; Production Gallery [7:05] and Film and Promotional Stills Gallery [7:10]. This is a really beautiful professional presentation, and you get to see some absolutely stunning images from the Film and Promotional Stills Gallery.
Finally, ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ film is a subtle insight into the value of imagination, love, and heroism carried home by the bold and touching performances of William Hurt and Raúl Juliá. Curzon Artificial Eye release of Hector Babenco's ‘KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN’ is very similar to the one Carlotta Films released back in 2011, which seems been sourced from the same master the French label worked with, which is quite good, but it has a bigger selection of supplemental features. William Hurt and Raúl Juliá are fantastic together and Rodolfo Sánchez's cinematography is very beautiful. A true essential in seeing the true best picture of 1985 in all its Blu-ray glory and a wonderful tribute to the power of the human spirit, in bringing one of the greatest and most daringly uncommercial films of the 1980s era. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
