MOVIE - SPIDER - Review Rating $$$$$ $$$1/2 (OUT OF 10)
STARRING- Ralph Fiennes (Dennis 'Spider' Cleg), Miranda Richardson (Mrs. Cleg), Gabriel Byrne (Bill Cleg), Lynn Redgrave (Mrs. Wilkinson), Bradley Hall (young Spider), John Neville (Terrence), Gary Reineke, Philip Craig & Sara Stockbridge.
DIRECTOR - David Cronenberg (eXistenZ, 1986's The Fly, Crash, The Dead Zone, Scanners, Naked Lunch & Videodrome)
Based on Patrick McGrath's 1991 novel, Spider.
A modern day examination of Freud's Oedipus Complex.
The opening sequence in Spider is a tribute to the powerfulness of imagery. Though virtually devoid of dialogue this scene provides us with great insight into the main character of this psychological drama. The stark imagery is maintained throughout the movie. Spider's destination, a halfway house, is depressingly dilapidated.
Spider's new residence is not far from where he grew up and he spends all of his time trying to resolve the emotional dilemma that continues to haunt him. The adult Spider voyeuristically retraces the events of his childhood that led to his emotional breakdown. The tale that unfolds is the truth in so far as Spider the boy perceived it and to borrow a phrase from a far inferior movie, The Recruit, "nothing is as it seems".
Ralph Fiennes gives a brilliant performance. The rest of the cast, in particular Miranda Richardson, veteran actor John Neville and Bradley Hall as Spider as a child, give excellent supporting performances.
Spider spins its tale so well that you will remain trapped in its web of psychological impairment long after the movie ends.
Running time: 98 minutes
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10:18:17 PM 
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