Embracing Shadows: A Cinematic Analysis of Kiss of the Spider Woman

Kiss of the Spider Woman, 1985

Directed By: Héctor Babenco

Link to Trailer


The film is about political activist Valentin Arregui and homosexual window dresser Luis Molina. Both of them are political prisoners held by a harsh government. Their personalities clash as they spend time together in their small environment as a result of their different worldviews and upbringings. Molina tells Valentin the stories from love films as an escape from the hard reality of their circumstances. He frequently tells the story of an interesting woman known as the "Spider Woman". Through their conversations, Molina and Valentin get closer and more understanding of one another as the story goes on. Valentin progressively gains the ability to go past his initial biases and establish a more genuine connection with Molina. In turn, Molina develops an understanding of Valentin's political tribulations and sacrifices. The movie looks at storytelling's influence as well as themes of love, sacrifice, and repression. It explores the mental and emotional interactions between the two men, demonstrating their growth and the effects of their relationship on one another's lives.

In "Kiss of the Spider Woman," there is no traditional plot device. But the stories that Molina tells Valentin, however, would be the part of the narrative that most closely resembles a plot driver. Molina uses these tales, which are reimaginings of vintage films featuring "Spider Woman," as an escape from reality and a coping mechanism.

The three main acts of the film begin with The two central figures, Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui, who share a prison cell, are introduced in the movie. As a way of coping with their difficult condition, window dresser Luis Molina tells tales from vintage films. He tells stories about "Spider Woman." Political activist Valentin initially dismisses Molina and his tales. The two characters are in tension and at odds with one another because of their contrasting upbringings and worldviews. 

As Valentin grows more and more receptive to Molina's stories, a friendship between the two men develops. As they become closer and talk more about politics, Valentin starts to become more approachable in Molina's eyes. As they exchange personal experiences and expose vulnerabilities, the relationships between Molina and Valentin become more complicated. 

As they get closer, Molina starts to feel loving emotions for Valentin. Due to their increasing relationship, the government tries to get information from Valentin by using Molina. The torture Valentin experiences causes his health to worsen. To defend Valentin, Molina decides to act and make a sacrifice of his own. Molina dies due to a terrible turn of events, yet his sacrifice ultimately results in Valentin's release.

The main character changes that I noticed in the film are in both Luis and Valentin. In the beginning, Luis was only concerned with himself and his own well-being. He becomes more unselfish as he gets to know Valentin, willing to take personal risks and even make sacrifices for her security and well-being. Valentin's main priorities are his political activism and defiance of the corrupt government at the beginning of the film. But as a result of his meeting Molina, he comes to value friendships and empathy, ultimately prioritizing their relationship over his political views.

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