Spider (2002) (Review)

David Cronenberg’s Spider (2002) – Ralph Fiennes stars as a former mental patient who  struggles with horrifying trauma from the past. 

Ahhhh! What can I say? I’d say a claustrophobically calm and stoically inward-looking film. Cronenberg has done a fine job here.  You can recognize his touch in the colors, the image, the theme and the tension, which are always very dark. There’s inevitably his little dose of violence and sex, but not overdone here. And the soundtrack creates a special atmosphere. A very good film for psychologists! This film is about schizophrenia. I think the book must be just incredible.

Gabriel Byrne is in one of his most detestable roles and Ralph Fiennes is in one of his least eloquent (and deliberately so). But it all comes together very well. As for Miranda Richardson, she plays the token bitch very convincingly. A very prolific actress too. So…. good actors and actresses, and Ralph Fiennes, once again grandiose. He must be able to convince even those who don’t like the film. 

Well… I confess I was expecting a little more from this film, at least a more exciting story. The whole thing drags on painfully without much happening. 

Here’s a review along those lines: 

“Weak current… !! Not very exciting! More could have been done… One of those films I should force myself to watch a second time. On its own, the film should be exciting right to the end, which it is in part. But the way it’s been made makes you rather hope that the end is finally over and you’re certain that there’s nothing else to come, that’s it!!!”

That said, Spider is a psychological drama. It’s an interesting film that skilfully plays with perception and illusion. It unfolds in an absolutely calm and tranquil manner. There’s no action. It will bore fans of Existenz and it has to get past History of Violence. On the other hand, it easily beats Naked Lunch or Crash or Crimes of the Future. 

A very special film, nothing for the mainstream viewer. Its silence (entire sequences take place in silence) and slowness alone should have a very tiring effect on some viewers. But anyone who finds a way into the film is rewarded.

Spider thoughts. An oppressive story of a former psychiatric patient’s quest to understand his life. In search of the truth about his life, he makes a tragic discovery. This film is not to everyone’s taste, and not even Cronenberg fans are sure to appreciate it.

Here’s a very positive review: 

1) “I couldn’t agree more. Cronenberg impressed me greatly with this work of art. in an almost hypnotic way, he guides us through the lead actor’s paranoid life, sweet, terrible and dreamlike all at once.”

2) “5-star film. This film has had very little theatrical release, and there is no DVD with German subtitles. But even if you don’t speak English very well, this film is well worth seeing.”

Nothing more to say.  It’s up to you to decide whether this review makes you want to see it or avoid it.

My rating ⭐⭐⭐1/2

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