Rating: 
Summary: fascinating glimpse into Castro's Cuba
Review: "Before Night Falls" is a compelling film that works on several different levels simultaneously: as a biography of the late Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas; as a scathing indictment of Castro's repressive Communist regime; and as a celebration of the human spirit flourishing under even the most adverse of circumstances. What it doesn't quite do, though, is dig very deeply into the mind and spirit of its main character. We are fascinated by the atmosphere and events that define this life story. We just don't feel like we get to know very well the man at its core.The film, which spans five decades (from 1943 - 1990), stars the brilliant Javier Bardem as Arenas, a homosexual writer caught in a culture openly hostile to both homosexuals and writers. One of the theses that the film posits - one taken directly from Arenas' writings - is that governmental repression often has the paradoxical effect of actually ENCOURAGING the very elements it is trying to stifle. Thus, for a while at least, Arenas is allowed to express fairly openly his homosexual nature. In fact, it is even pointed out to us that a number of high government officials are allowed to flagrantly display their sexuality with little or no consequences. Yet, at the same time, the government has set up concentration camps filled with gays and other political prisoners. But it is not so much for his sexuality that Arenas is eventually incarcerated and tortured - it simply provides a convenient excuse - but for his radical anti-Castro ideas as reflected in his poetry and novels. For it is ideas that most threaten any totalitarian regime, and Castro's is certainly no exception. The movie is so ambitious in its scope and time frame that it occasionally loses us along the way. Every now and then we are not quite sure who is who, where we happen to be, or what exactly is happening in the story. This is partly the result of Julian Schnabel's rather impressionistic directorial style, providing us with quick cuts of imaginings and/or memories that flash through Arenas' mind. The problem is that we can't always tell which is a memory and which a mere fanciful vision. For instance, in one scene, a desperate Arenas, in an attempt to evade the authorities, sails out for Florida in nothing more than an old inner tube. The way the scene is shot we are led to believe, initially, that he has made it safely to America's shore, only to discover later that he is still on Cuba. It is a minor point, but the style often leaves us feeling unnecessarily disoriented at times. On the other hand, the style also contributes a strangely dreamy, otherworldly feel to the film. This matches perfectly the rather exotic nature of Arenas himself, a man who seems to be torn between accepting his homosexuality and fighting the demons that come along with being a societal outcast. When Arenas finally makes it to the "land of freedom" as part of the Mariel boat lift of 1980, fate deals him another cruel blow in the form of AIDS. Yet, Arenas' words live on, a testament both to the cruelty and brutality of life under a dictatorship and to the strength of spirit reflected in any artist who tries to overcome it. As Arenas, Barkem gives a riveting performance, going far beyond the subtle effeminate mannerisms that define the character's surface. Yet, strangely enough, even though the film runs well over two hours and there is almost no scene in which Arenas is not present, we never feel like we really get to know him very well. Perhaps it is because, in his romantic relationships, in particular, Arenas remains such an inscrutable enigma. Apart from his sexual orientation, we often can't tell what makes this character tick. This is why Barkem's performance is so indispensable to the film. The richness he provides in his every word, facial expression and gesture makes Arenas a very real and very recognizable figure. Without Barkem, "Before Night Falls" would be much less compelling than it is. And the fact is, that for all its imperfections, "Before Night Falls" IS a very compelling film, in terms of style, performance, atmosphere and theme. Despite the dissatisfaction we may feel with the film at times, the truth is that the story itself is so gripping that our interest never flags for a moment. And if for no other reason than for the uncompromising glimpse it affords into the hitherto unexamined world of Castro's Cuba, the film cries out to be seen.
Rating: 
Summary: Transports You
Review: "Before Night Falls" recounts the incredible life of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas, played with great sensitivity by Spanish actor Javier Bardem. Born a peasant in the 1930's, Arenas had the great misfortune of being a gay writer in a country that considered art and homosexuality to be counter-revolutionary. "Before Night Falls" is based on his memoir and relates his imprisonment in Cuba and subsequent exodus to the United States. Despite this persecution, Arenas' work flourished and was published widely, albeit mostly outside of Cuba. Director Julian Schnabel is a well-known "neo-expressionist" painter; accordingly, he is able to bring an artist's understanding and sensibility to the story. His prior film was "Basquiat," about the 1980's graffiti artist. Although Schnabel seems to be limiting himself to portraits of artists, the two films are very disparate. Specifically, "Before Night Falls" is much grander in scope and incorporates more directorial flourishes than does "Basquiat." Despite the epic sweep of the film, Schnabel successfully tells Arenas' very personal and heart-rending story. Another major asset of the film is the cinematography and ambiance; vibrant colors and people populate the film. The viewer is transported to 1960s Cuba; you can feel the humidity and the pulse of the Mambo music. Javier Bardem gives an astonishing performance, for which he deservedly received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor. For the role, he was required to learn Cuban-Spanish as well as English. The DVD extras include a 7 minute interview with Arenas, and it's apparent that Bardem nails the look and speech of the artist, without reverting to a simple impersonation. Although most of the actors are of Latin descent, two big American stars have small roles: Johnny Depp has hilarious joint roles as a Cuban transvestite and a Cuban general, and Sean Penn plays a peasant farmer, rather convincingly too. The only minor debit of the film is that it's a tad over-long and could have used a bit more editing. However, overall, "Before Night Falls" is a superb film that perfectly captures another time and another place. Most highly recommended. Extras: The extras include an interesting commentary track with Schnabel and Bardem, a short behind-the-scenes documentary filmed by Schnabel's daughter, and an interview with Arenas conducted in 1984 after he immigrated to the U.S.
Rating:
Summary: Transports You
Review: "Before Night Falls" recounts the incredible life of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas, played with great sensitivity by Spanish actor Javier Bardem. Born a peasant in the 1930's, Arenas had the great misfortune of being a gay writer in a country that considered art and homosexuality to be counter-revolutionary. "Before Night Falls" is based on his memoir and relates his imprisonment in Cuba and subsequent exodus to the United States. Despite this persecution, Arenas' work flourished and was published widely, albeit mostly outside of Cuba. Director Julian Schnabel is a well-known "neo-expressionist" painter; accordingly, he is able to bring an artist's understanding and sensibility to the story. His prior film was "Basquiat," about the 1980's graffiti artist. Although Schnabel seems to be limiting himself to portraits of artists, the two films are very disparate. Specifically, "Before Night Falls" is much grander in scope and incorporates more directorial flourishes than does "Basquiat." Despite the epic sweep of the film, Schnabel successfully tells Arenas' very personal and heart-rending story. Another major asset of the film is the cinematography and ambiance; vibrant colors and people populate the film. The viewer is transported to 1960s Cuba; you can feel the humidity and the pulse of the Mambo music. Javier Bardem gives an astonishing performance, for which he deservedly received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor. For the role, he was required to learn Cuban-Spanish as well as English. The DVD extras include a 7 minute interview with Arenas, and it's apparent that Bardem nails the look and speech of the artist, without reverting to a simple impersonation. Although most of the actors are of Latin descent, two big American stars have small roles: Johnny Depp has hilarious joint roles as a Cuban transvestite and a Cuban general, and Sean Penn plays a peasant farmer, rather convincingly too. The only minor debit of the film is that it's a tad over-long and could have used a bit more editing. However, overall, "Before Night Falls" is a superb film that perfectly captures another time and another place. Most highly recommended. Extras: The extras include an interesting commentary track with Schnabel and Bardem, a short behind-the-scenes documentary filmed by Schnabel's daughter, and an interview with Arenas conducted in 1984 after he immigrated to the U.S.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie!
Review: "Before Night Falls" is a great movie. It's based on the life of a cuban poet/writer. Who just wants the freedom to be able to live how he wants and to be able to write how he wants. Just check it out.
Rating: 
Summary: GayDar at work
Review: A look at Cuba before, during and after the revolution from the perspective of a self-tortured artist with incredible GayDar powers. While not particularly sensational, Before Night Falls demanded my attention by never being predictable. The
matter-of-fact voice over and subtely strong performance of Javier Bardem as Reinaldo Arenas make the film powerful. The DVD special features could have been better with the smallest
effort, but instead it seemed the poorly edited segments were added at the last minute. Too bad.
Michael Duranko
www.bootism.com
Rating: 
Summary: Firmly Disappointing and Boring
Review: All right, let's be honest. We all wanted to appreciate this film and feel that it was deep and meaningful. However, it was sorely disappointing. The characters, perhaps meant to be portrayed in artful vignettes, were completely undeveloped and unrealistic. I can't imagine the storyboard for this movie, because it must have looked like a poured-out jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table. Not only were there multiple flashback scenes interwoven in odd sequences which subracted from the movie's flow, but these were interlaced with hallucinations on the part of Reinaldo. In the end, nothing was explained well enough for the audience to sympathize with the character. Overall, this movie is a vapid attempt at cinematic depth. I sincerely wish that I had been able to appreciate this film in the way I feel I could have. It is unfortunate that such a brilliant writer's life and writings would be made so insipid and flat through this piece.
Rating:
Summary: One of 2000's finest
Review: Although "Before Night Falls" is a biographical picture, it does not feel like one. It does not have a pressing sense of accuracy, nor is there a chronologically coherent narrative. It's a film that explores the life of an artist, but filters everything through a perspective which leaves the viewer to ponder and establish his or her own conclusions. "Before Night Falls" is not something one would watch for entertainment, a characteristic that automatically divides people. To me, this was one of the most intellectually provocative and emotionally stirring films I'd seen in quite some time, and it's only elevated by the altogether remarkable performance of Javier Bardem. Unlike most movies based on real people's lives, this ones floats seamlessly through memories, dreams and reality. It unfolds with both the engrossing ambiguity of a poem, and the stark realism of a documentary. "Before Night Falls" essentially examines the journey of Reinaldo Arenas, and illustrates his growth as an artist, but also more poignantly, as a human being trying to find solace amidst the callous world around him. The film's glimpse into Cuba's revolution and the crippling effect it had on the "outsiders" only deepens the power of Reinaldo Arena's tumultuous quest to fulfill his dreams. The fragmented quality of the film never really lets the narrative or it's charaters become entirely focused, but the vibrant immediacy of the images, sounds and dialogue gradually builds an emotional resonance, leading to a quietly devastating conclusion.(My only complaint is the occasionally awkward and rambling structural fashion of the story.) If there is one aspect that holds everything together, though, it's the central performer himself, Javier Bardem. Rarely have I seen an actor embody a role with such sensitivity and compassion, Bardem renders the shadowy figure of Reinaldo Arenas and infuses him with life in every scene. It's just a shame that the Academy couldn't recognize the superiority of his performance. On the whole, though, "Before Night Falls" is a haunting evocation of one man's struggle to eternalize the flame which society tried to extinguish. It's also a motion picture that reminds us of how film-making can be shaped into a form of artistry.
Rating:
Summary: One of 2000's finest
Review: Although "Before Night Falls" is a biographical picture, it does not feel like one. It does not have a pressing sense of accuracy, nor is there a chronologically coherent narrative. It's a film that explores the life of an artist, but filters everything through a perspective which leaves the viewer to ponder and establish his or her own conclusions. "Before Night Falls" is not something one would watch for entertainment, a characteristic that automatically divides people. To me, this was one of the most intellectually provocative and emotionally stirring films I'd seen in quite some time, and it's only elevated by the altogether remarkable performance of Javier Bardem. Unlike most movies based on real people's lives, this ones floats seamlessly through memories, dreams and reality. It unfolds with both the engrossing ambiguity of a poem, and the stark realism of a documentary. "Before Night Falls" essentially examines the journey of Reinaldo Arenas, and illustrates his growth as an artist, but also more poignantly, as a human being trying to find solace amidst the callous world around him. The film's glimpse into Cuba's revolution and the crippling effect it had on the "outsiders" only deepens the power of Reinaldo Arena's tumultuous quest to fulfill his dreams. The fragmented quality of the film never really lets the narrative or it's charaters become entirely focused, but the vibrant immediacy of the images, sounds and dialogue gradually builds an emotional resonance, leading to a quietly devastating conclusion.(My only complaint is the occasionally awkward and rambling structural fashion of the story.) If there is one aspect that holds everything together, though, it's the central performer himself, Javier Bardem. Rarely have I seen an actor embody a role with such sensitivity and compassion, Bardem renders the shadowy figure of Reinaldo Arenas and infuses him with life in every scene. It's just a shame that the Academy couldn't recognize the superiority of his performance. On the whole, though, "Before Night Falls" is a haunting evocation of one man's struggle to eternalize the flame which society tried to extinguish. It's also a motion picture that reminds us of how film-making can be shaped into a form of artistry.
Rating:
Summary: This could have been special..........
Review: An important film this. Just thinking of how much better it could and should have been does make me angry though. The main plus point of the film will hopefully be to act as a stimulant for the viewer to go away and read Arena's books. That is where all the truth, beauty and tragedy can be found.
Why do film makers have to take such liberties? There is enough material in Arenas's memoirs to make half a dozen movies, yet Julian Schnabel can't make just one without including scenes of fiction and fabrication, or totally underplaying some of the most important events, like Arena's stay in El Morro. Read the book and you will see what I mean.
The acting of Javier Bardem is a big plus point. He looks uncannily like Arenas, and shows what a versatile actor he is ( as those who are familiar with him from some of Bigas Luna's movies will attest).
The inclusion of the interview in Improper Conduct is very welcome. What I would like to see now is the major documentary that the BBC made back in 1990 called 'Havana', which included maybe the last interview with Arena's before his death. Having read the synopsis of the programme, I think it will give a far better picture of the Cuba of Arenas than this movie ever will.
Rating:
Summary: Very Powerful Filmmaking
Review: Based on the memoirs of the late gay Cuban poet/author Reinaldo Arenas, "Before Night Falls" is a lengthy, depressing, yet brutally realistic film on the life Arenas before, during, and after the Cuban Revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power. Starting with his childhood in rural Holguin, Cuba, the film covers every aspect of Arenas' upbringing, his attraction to men, and his run-ins with revolutionary agents as he became one of the island nation's most prominent writers. Arenas, portrayed excellently by Spanish actor Javier Bardem, sees his life change dramatically, first from what he believes will become a promising age of development after the ruthless Batista regime is toppled by Castro's forces, to later a life of living in fear and hiding as he is blacklisted due to his writings and homosexuality by the new regime's ideological police. As the film progresses, we see how Arenas deals with the repression of the regime in it's early days, and his persecution for his writings, many that were smuggled out of Cuba by French sympathizers of Arenas's work. Later arrested for a crime that he didn't commit, Arenas finds himself a fugitive living in Cuba, until he is arrested and sent to a Cuban prison before his eventual departure from the island in the Mariel Boatlift of the late 1970's The film, which is one of the most powerful pieces of filmmaking I have seen in recent years, was directed with style and respect by Julian Schnabel. The film, which is a pioneer to the sense of the many visuals of the male anatomy/body used to illustrate this story of growing up gay in Castro's Cuba might disturb some people who are not accustomed in seeing this on the silver screen and/or gay sexuality. However, this shouldn't be a reason in not seeing this film. Many excellent actors lend their talent to this, most notably Johnny Depp ("Edward Scissorhands") in a dual role as a prison manager and as a drag queen entertainer at the prison. Also contributing his immense talent is Sean Penn ("U-Turn") in a small role as a wagon driver who picks up a young Arenas on his way to fight in the Revolution. Also many fans of Latin telenovelas will recognize Cuban actor Francisco Gattorno ("Strawberry and Chocolate") in a rare English-language role as a French sympathizer who helps Arenas get his work published abroad in France. Simply one of the best films of 2000, this is a must-see film for anyone interested in Cuba, it's people, or human rights. While many might see the Castro regime as a very repressive one, in fact the previous Batista regime was equally as ruthless with homosexuals, especially those in Cuba's high society. In the past decade, Castro has allowed greater freedom for homosexuals, so much that the Cuban government funded the Academy-Award nominated for Best Foreign Film, "Strawberry & Chocolate") back in the early 1990's. One of the best films of 2000! I highly recommend it.
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