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| Raul Julia (left) and William Hurt |
Kiss of the Spider Woman
(1985)
This Brazilian/American co-production, directed by Hector Babenco, is based on the Manuel Puig novel. It tells the story of Valentin Arregui, a political prisoner played by Raul Julia, and his cellmate, Luis Molina, a gay man played by William Hurt. Hurt won the Academy Award for best actor that year, and the film itself was nominated for best film, best director, and more.
While the narrative style of the film is complex, as is the relationship between the two men, one of the central scenes involves them having sex. Even though the act itself fades to black, its thematic importance was unequivocal.
Reviews of the film at the time focused on Hurt’s “courage” in playing the role, and it was the first time an actor playing an openly gay character received the Oscar. He also won best actor awards from BAFTA and at Cannes for the role.
Hotness: 2
Romance: 5
Significance: 9
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