Oscar-nominated actor 'perfect'
By Louis B. Hobson --
Calgary Sun. February
23, 2001
Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas was not a deeply religious man.
Had he been, he could have taken consolation from the Biblical observation
that a prophet is not without honour, save in his own country. Under Castro's
regime, Arenas suffered censorship, humiliation, imprisonment and physical
abuse.
Arenas is the subject of Julian Schnabel's profoundly moving drama Before
Night Falls.
It's a lyrical film that showcases an unforgettable performance of raw
intensity that has justifiably earned Spanish actor Javier Bardem a nomination
for best actor.
Bardem plays Arenas from an idealistic 18 year old to a disillusioned and
artistically-spent 47 year old. It's a totally convincing physical
transformation achieved without the artifice of make-up.
What is even more amazing is how Bardem is able to chronicle Arenas'
emotional, spiritual and psychological deterioration.
The young man who won the nation's top writing contest at age 20 was banned
and forbidden to continue writing in his extravagant literary style.
He was also persecuted for his homosexuality and eventually sent to prison.
Before Night Falls is a compelling tale of the artist as a scapegoat and of
the extent totalitarian regimes will go to quiet their artistic rebels.
Bardem's performance is as effortless as it is shattering.
Johnny Depp has two memorable cameos. First he is a transvestite who helps
Arenas smuggle his writings out of prison.
Later Depp is a cruel guard who gets aroused by taunting Arenas over his
homosexuality.
It's further proof that Depp is a true chameleon and an actor of enormous
and fearless talent.
Before Night Falls is reminiscent of the Spanish film Strawberry and
Chocolate which was set in Havana in 1979.
They both make a devastating plea for tolerance in a country that has lost
its very humanity.
Before Night Falls may not be perfect, but it features a performance of
sheer perfection.
Copyright © 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership. All
rights reserved.
Before
Night Falls (film's official site) | 