BrianKoller's Full Review: Kiss of the Spider Woman
Department of remarkable coincidences: of the four films that Sonia Braga and Raul Julia have both appeared in, in three of them they both received Golden Globe nominations, while not receiving any Academy Award nominations. "Moon over Parador" was over-rated, while "The Burning Season" was made for TV. There are no such excuses for an Oscar snub for "Kiss of the Spider Woman". While William Hurt received his only Best Actor Oscar, Raul Julia gives an equally outstanding performance.
Of course, Hurt had the more challenging role. He
plays a homosexual who fantasizes about being a
glamorous woman, while imprisoned in an South
American country for 'corrupting' a minor. His
cellmate is political prisoner Raul Julia, who is
devoted almost completely to his cause of
overthrowing the despotic government.
At first, Julia detests his effeminate,
flirtatious cellmate, who insists on retelling
and embellishing a Nazi propaganda film that he
once saw. (This film stars Braga, who also plays
Julia's lover.) However, Hurt's kindness to Julia
gradually leads to their friendship.
Hurt was well cast. His facial expressions are
perfect for conveying the deeply felt emotions of
his character, and never falls into the easy trap
of making the role campy. Julia's rage and
despair are also well delivered, and there are
strong supporting performances by Jose Lewgoy and
Milton Goncalves, who play malevolent government
agents.
"Kiss of the Spider Woman" also received Oscar
nominations for Best Picture, Best Director
(Hector Babenco), and Best Adapted Screenplay
(Leonard Schrader). (90/100)
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