Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman is an in-depth documentary that delves into the intricate creation of the critically acclaimed 1985 film Kiss of the Spider Woman. The movie is based on the 1980 novel of the same name by Brazilian writer Manuel Puig, which follows the lives of two men as they navigate the complexities of politics, identity, and human relationships during Argentina's authoritarian military regime. Director David Weisman not only brought this story to life on screen but also championed its adaptation throughout his career. The documentary begins by exploring the origins of Puig's novel, where the author drew inspiration from his own experiences as a gay man living in Argentina during the 1960s and 1970s. Weisman and his team conducted extensive interviews with Puig himself, who shares his creative process and the challenges faced in writing a novel that tackles such sensitive topics. Puig's insights provide a unique perspective on the author's intentions and artistic vision, setting the stage for Weisman's adaptation. The transition from book to film is a pivotal aspect of the documentary, as it highlights the collaboration between Weisman, his writers, and the various creatives involved in the production. Weisman recounts his initial fascination with the novel, his determination to option the rights, and the process of assembling a talented team to bring the story to life. The documentary features candid conversations with actors William Hurt, Sônia Braga, and Raul Julia, who share their experiences working with Weisman and the unique approaches he employed to convey the complex characters and emotional depth of the screenplay. One of the most intriguing aspects of Kiss of the Spider Woman is its dual narrative structure, which follows the lives of two men: Molina, a gay and somewhat effeminate intellectual, and Valentin, a heterosexual prisoner who finds himself drawn to Molina's quiet strength and inner world. The documentary explores how Weisman worked with his writers to navigate the complexities of Puig's text and translate its poetic, fluid narrative into a coherent and engaging cinematic language. The conversations with the writers offer valuable insights into the creative decisions that shaped the film's storyline, themes, and tone. As the documentary progresses, it delves into the production process, showcasing the meticulous preparation and attention to detail that characterized Weisman's approach. From location scouting in Uruguay and Argentina to the meticulous recreation of 1960s Buenos Aires, Weisman's team recreated the atmosphere of a bygone era with incredible precision. The conversations with the cinematographer, production designer, and costume designer reveal the immense care and collaboration that went into creating a visually stunning and historically accurate representation of the time period. The documentary's second half is devoted to the reception and legacy of Kiss of the Spider Woman, which premiered at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim. Weisman and the film's cast and crew discuss the response to the film, which was seen as a groundbreaking exploration of themes such as identity, politics, and human relationships. The documentary includes clips from the film's premiere and early reviews, offering a glimpse into the initial responses from critics and audiences. The film's legacy is a testament to Weisman's dedication to the project and his unwavering passion for Puig's novel. The documentary features insightful comments from prominent film critics and scholars, who discuss the lasting impact of Kiss of the Spider Woman on the cinematic landscape. The conversations also touch on the film's influence on queer cinema, its exploration of themes that were previously taboo, and its contribution to the evolution of the romantic drama genre. Ultimately, Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman is a rich and engaging film that not only chronicles the creation of a remarkable cinematic work but also offers a deeper understanding of the creative process and the people behind it. By bringing together a wealth of testimonials from the film's key creatives, including Weisman, the actors, writers, and crew members, the documentary provides an intimate and authoritative portrait of a film that has become a landmark of 1980s cinema.