In a South American prison, a flamboyant transvestite (William Hurt) prances around his filthy cell reenacting an admired Nazi propaganda film for his cellmate, an impassioned political prisoner (Raul Julia). As the guards work to weaken the radical's resolve, his bunk mate reveals an ulterior motive, as their friendship begins to grow. "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a fantastical adaptation of Manuel Puig's bizarre story by Hector Babenco, whose trajectory is self-evident, but is notable for it sumptuous film stock and incredible performances from Hurt, who won the Academy Award for his deeply felt performance, and Julia who is no less impressive as the fervent internee.
