“Spider” is a movie about perception. We see how the perception of memories can affect a person’s mental stability. Ralph Fiennes (“Schindler’s List”, “Maid in Manhatten”) stars as Spider, a man who has spent 20 years of his life in a mental institution, who finds himself released into the real world again. We become a part of his search to find his mind again, as he re-visits his old neighborhood. Memories of his mother (Miranda Richardson) and father (Gabriel Byrne) are reawakened, as he attempts to sort through what he remembers as well as what really happened so many years ago. David Cronenberg has a habit of directing movies that are dark, surreal in nature, and that generally mess with your mind. Some of them aren’t so great, but when he scores, he hits a home run. “Spider” is definitely a home run. It’s depiction of what the mind sees as opposed to what is in fact, real, is deftly created in this psychologically twisted film. Based on the 1988 novel by Patrick McGrath (who also served as the film’s screenwriter), “Spider” is as thought provoking as it is perplexing.

As with any movie of this nature, that deal with the workings of a schizophrenic mind, we see things in an odd order, therefore making it a bit hard to follow at times. To make it even more confusing, we have to deal with the differing perceptions of similar events. “Spider” is a movie you really have to pay attention to. But if you do, it’s more than worth the time. It’s almost like watching a really difficult puzzle being put together, one piece at a time. As each piece is put in place, the reality becomes a little clearer.

The performances in “Spider” are nothing short of amazing. It’s one of those films that most real actors love to work on, because they have the room to stretch and explore their characters. Miranda Richardson certainly stands out amongst the cast, as she is given the often-difficult task of playing multiple roles. Richardson is one of those highly underrated actresses, as she is easily at home with any type of role, whether it calls for her to be over-the-top or quietly subtle. Here she proves once again that no role is beyond her range.

The DVD release of “Spider” offers up quite a bit of extra features, which is really a plus with a film like this. It’s likely that most mainstream movie watchers will be scratching their heads after seeing this one, but the director’s commentary by Cronenberg clears up some of the film’s symbolism. If you have questions about ‘why’ or ‘who’, most are answered, but in some cases cleverly enough as to make you think you’ve been told the answer.

The additional featurettes help a little, too. They both give a little bit of background on the film as it made the transition from book to screen, as well as some of the how’s and why’s of the casting choices. For example, Ralph Fiennes was already attached to the script when it reached Cronenberg, which was somewhat influential to his decision to direct it.

“Spider” is amongst those interestingly formidable independent films that may not translate well to a conventional audience. Those who are familiar with Cronenberg’s work will certainly get into the dark maze of a tale this film has to tell, while the average movie watcher will probably talk it down for no other reason than they just didn’t get it.

Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Gabriel Byrne, John Neville, Lynn Redgrave
Extras: Filmmaker's Commentary, "In the Beginning: How Spider Came to Be" Featurette, "Caught in SPIDER's Web: The Cast" Featurette, Filmographies, Weblink to official website
Specifications: Widescreen (1.78:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 7/29/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Sexuality, Brief Violence and Language)
Website 1, Website 2

We'll give Spider an A.