Kiss of the Spider Woman

film by Babenco [1985]

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July 16, 2026

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The 1985 film Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Hector Babenco, is based on Manuel Puig's 1976 novel of the same name. The story unfolds in an Argentine jail cell where two men, Molina and Valentín, share their confinement. Molina, a middle-aged gay man, escapes the harsh reality of prison by recounting movie plots. Valentín, a young socialist revolutionary, initially despises Molina's effeminate nature and lack of political engagement.123

Despite their differences, the two men develop an unlikely friendship that eventually becomes sexual. In a poignant twist, Molina's involvement in politics leads to his death, while Valentín retreats into a dream world to escape torture. The film earned Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Director, with William Hurt winning Best Actor for his role as Molina.12

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- Hector Babenco
  Babenco’s first American feature was Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985), a quirky near-surreal comic drama about a theatrically gay man (played by William Hurt) jailed for sexual offenses and a political prisoner (Raul Julia) who share an Argentine jail cell. The film earned Academy Award nominations for best picture…
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  Babenco’s first American feature was Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985), a quirky near-surreal comic drama about a theatrically gay man (played by William Hurt) jailed for sexual offenses and a political prisoner (Raul Julia) who share an Argentine jail cell. The film earned Academy Award nominations for best picture…
  Read More