By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.5 cats
Director: Julian Schnabel
Starring: Adrea Di Stefano | Javier Bardem | Johnny Depp | Olivier Martinez
Country: united_states
Year: 2001
Running time: 133
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0247196
Kevin says: “BEFORE NIGHT FALLS (based on the memoirs of the homosexual poet/novelist Reinaldo Arenas, who was born in Cuba in the 50’s and emigrated to America in the early 90’s(?)), was excellent. One of the year’s best. Javier Bardem deserves all of the credit he’s gotten. Film is lyrical and mesmerizing. Johnny Depp is an absolute riot in two roles as both a cross-dressing Cuban inmate and a jackass police officer. Highly, highly recommended.” 4 1/2 cats
Laura says: “Bardem has a great shaggy head, expressive Raul Julia-like eyes and a Greco-Roman nose, a rugged handsomeness which he combines with a geeky body language, curving his shoulders inward and allowing his arms to hang limply at his sides. While his is a good performance, the alienation of the character and the disorienting filmmaking kept me at arms length emotionally.” 3 1/2 cats
For more of Laura’s review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/beforenightfalls.htm”
Robin says: “BEFORE NIGHT FALLS is hopeful tragedy that shows the strength of the human spirit under adversity. The tragedy is that not everyone is as courageous and talented as Reinaldo Arenas, who, when he finally escapes the oppression of Castro, realizes that he has lost his Cuba. Javier Bardem is solid in his portrayal of Arenas, even if the script is weak..” 2 1/2 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/beforenightfalls.htm”