Spider
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Movie Reviews of Spider
Movie Review: Dark, Disturbing, Tragic & Heartbreaking
Summary: 4 Stars
And thats just some of the negative reviews on this page. As the 19th c. French philosopher, Brillat-Savarin, probably said; "There are some people whom it is one's duty to lock in cages and poke with sticks". That aside, this is a truly beautiful and tragic work. I would echo M. J. Walters (dargelos) review below, but with one difference. I took it that the obscene cackling whores the boy first encounters on being sent to fetch his father home from the pub were real. It was a combination of the boy's identification of their gross and appalling behaviour as the sum of female sexuality together with the realisation that his mother was also a sexual being that upset the balance of his mind with such disturbung consequences.
As for Ralph Fiennes performance, I can never forget the words put into Kate Winslett's mouth, via Ricky Gervias' 'Extras', that 'The quickest way to win an Oscar is to play a 'mental''. He did little more here than stagger around looking appalled, which most of us have done on a Saturday night before now. Gabriel Byrne's role was almost incidental as the father, except in that he was the obvious target and trigger of the mother's sexuality, but his working class London accent was pitch perfect. Miranda Richardson is incredible (as usual)in a twin role as both a tender, loving mother and terrifying succubus.
Movie Review: Cronenberg Understands McGrath
Summary: 4 Stars
Patrick McGrath is a fine writer of bizarre, beyond the edge stories and finally someone has found the courage to tackle one of his basically 'inner mind' stories. SPIDER dates back to 1991, before McGrath wrote ASYLUM, DR HAGGARD'S DISEASE, BUTCHER BOY, MARTHA PEAKE etc and that story showed all the promise of the author's ability to find entry into the dark interstices of the ill mind, a line of detail he continues to follow and expand.David Cronenberg, that master of the macabre, was the absolute right director to transpose this map (read 'web') of the schizophrenic mind to film. His cast is impeccably correct: Ralp Fiennes manages to create a three dimensional character out of the title role, while Miranda Richardson, Lynn Redgrave, and Gabriel Byrne and all the bit players feel fully in character at all times. The grisly story is beautifully photogrpahed and meticulously scored (a very finely orchestrated score by Howard Shore) and if at times the film feels longer than the usual movie, realize that this is the way a disturbed and immobile brain deals with the outside world.
For the story read the other reviews. For your edification, buy or rent this amazingly disturbing film and keep your mind open.......
Movie Review: great film, excellent DVD
Summary: 4 Stars
Though this movie is rated R, as a fact is a movie suitable for all, I mean this is a David Cronenberg movie and a lot of people are scared simply by knowing he is directing; though Cronenberg continues to explore the dangers inside of the human mind, Spider is the more sober film ever shot by the canadian filmmaker. The film has a great cast: Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson and Gabriel Byrne aren't big stars but are great actors indeed. It's really strange that this movie - presented at Cannes last year - didn't gathered awards: directing, cinematography, screenplay, acting are all first class here: everything contributes creating the best cinematic represenation of schizofrenia ever.The DVD is very good. The video track makes justice to the moving image while the audio track - though this isn't a film you can expect a lot of surround work - offers clear dialogues and it's involving with the essential Howard Shore music. The extras are interesting, especially the commentary by Cronenberg. Overall film and DVD worth buying, especially if you aren't a Cronenberg fan this could be the right point to start exploring the great work of this artist.
Movie Review: The Third Time Was the Charm...
Summary: 4 Stars
I literally watched this film in thirds. The first third had me crazy. I was trying to make some sense out of Ralph Fiennes' character's mumbling. That was a mistake! I turned the film off.
Several hours later, I started to watch the film again and followed storyline until I started seeing myself (my image, not actually me) on the screen and in the story (one role Miranda Richardson didn't play). I took another break, but returned for the third installment and found myself so thoroughly engrossed that I sat there mesmorized drooling and mumbling to myself.
For me, this was a most difficult film to watch and I'm not sure why that is because I don't usually react to depressing storylines, bizarre characters or generally confusing staging and/or direction.
I may watch it a forth time (all the way through), but that's not going to happen soon.
Even though at first, it was like pulling teeth, I wound up admiring the Actors for having selected such difficult roles in a less than a mainline film, as well as the strong direction and story.
Movie Review: Spider pulls you into it's web.
Summary: 4 Stars
Spider is a fantastic film. Although slow moving, it's showcases some superb acting and Cronenburg's grittiness, while keeping you filled with anticipation and curiosity. Ralph Fiennes, in his best performance to date plays Spider a mumbling schizophrenic who can be seen picking up random bits of trash or putting his hands down his pants to pull out a sock where he keeps his note. Spider recalls his past, particularly the relationship between his mother (played brilliantly by Miranda Richardson - who plays multiple roles in the film) and his father (played by Gabriel Byrne) while he was a small boy. Young spider is played by Bradley Hall a boy who's trying to deal with the confusing world around him. It's a remarkable performance for this young actor's film debut. The film's quite thought-provoking and ends up playing out like a mystery, to see how a young boy became the Spider he is today.