If you know Cronenberg, well, I don't even need to carry on with this sentence...This mystery/drama is tormented, unsettling...but strangely in light of its plot, not as unhealthy (as some of his other creations).The film is brief, but terribly dense both in events and atmosphere. It feels just the right length as 20-30min more would feel too suffocating. It's not painful to watch or anything, in fact one should praise its great fluidity despite little to work with as content.It's highly original. The ending is superb cinematically, the acting very good, and as difficult as it was (to separate from other films of the sort) - it's especially authentic.My one criticism: not enough clues/explanations as to why he's such a troubled child to begin with.

First of all, in order to fully appreciate Spider it requires more than a single viewing - at least 2 are necessary. Secondly,if you grew up in England, especially London, that would have helped, as many of the idioms spoken in this film, eg 'wicking' (as used by Yvonne Wilkinson - meaning 'annoying') were very much around in 1950s London. There are some other parochial phrases used which would be lost on most Americans. Curiously, looking at the subtitles for Spider a lot of the phrases have been wrongly interpreted, (probably compiled by Americans).Anyway, the first time I saw this, I didn't really get it either. At the same time I felt I hadn't given this film a proper chance, and when I did decide to revisit it I realized what a subtle, if strange and depressing movie it was. I've watched this several times since and on each occasion it became more fascinating, gradually dawning on me how much I'd missed in some of the more suggestive and important scenes. Eg, how many viewing this for the first time recognized that the actress playing Yvonne Wilkinson flashing her breast at young Spider, was not Miranda Richardson, who played Yvonne in all the subsequent scenes. There was a good reason for that of course. Also I realized why the imposing gasometer structure seen by Spider from his bedroom window seemed to terrify him. There are plenty of other examples. Once you notice what you missed first time around and more, you can appreciate this film so much better.But most viewers do not have the time or patience these days to allow a 'slow' film like Spider to develop, so naturally Spider will never see the light of day again for those with a short attention span. That's their loss though. You can make films about mental illness in a more entertaining way - eg. A Beautiful Mind. But in the end Spider digs that much deeper. Full credit to David Cronenberg for having the balls to make such an unconventional film, yet brilliant study of the schizophrenic mind. And needless to say Ralph Fiennes performance as the confused, mumbling Spider is extraordinary.

The titular Spider is Ralph Fiennes who has just been discharged from the mental institute. He takes residence in a home which houses other people from the hospital who have been let out. While he is there, he recreates his childhood and observes how his father behaved with his mom. This must have been a very difficult movie to make. The lead actor practically does not speak for any substantial length and has few dialogues. Hence it would have been a very tough challenge for the director to keep the viewers interested. I am very glad that the David Cronenberg bested the challenge and made this into a very gripping piece of cinema. Fiennes is off the charts brilliant. His brooding intensity and the way he mumbles really has to be seen to be believed. This is his best performance after Schindler's List in my opinion and my respect for him as an actor has increased tremendously. The direction is superb. The way the past and the present blend together gives new meaning to the word smooth. Loved it totally. 3.5 out of 5. Must watch for fans of gripping drama and great acting

A number of reviewers rate this movie as "the best ever" and "masterpiece" etc etc. The point is that this movie is listed as a thriller, so you expect a thriller but it is not. It's more like a very slow, did I say slow? I mean a very very very slow movie about a man that lost his mind as a child. Although the acting is quite good and the setting of the movie very authentic, the slow pace is just annoying. And yes, even if you are a real fan of cult,drama and historic films. Do not believe people so easily that announce "the plot and climax of the film are fantastic". Half way the movie you already know what happened and why, if you are a fan of mysteries and thriller books and movies. If you liked "The Machinist" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361862/) for example, don't expect to like this one or think that this is in the same genre.