Before Night Falls (2000)

The most prominent theme of this movie is homosexuality. If you are a straight man with no artistic delusions, steer well clear of this one. The only worthwhile parts are where the main character, a gay artist - writer in this case, is in jail. Other than that, movement is slow. I have an interest in what makes people gay (most likely multi-factorial) and why there often is a relationship between being gay and artistically gifted, like in the case of the main character. Even for me, watching this film was a waste of time.

This was an interesting film probably not for a mans man that's for sure , but different non the less after all that's what Johnny does best!

Tried hard, but couldn't get involved. the bit I did manage was a great performance by Javier, as always, but.....

I was interested in seeing this film after The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, also directed by Julian Schnabel. While Before Night Falls isn't quite as good, it provides a very interesting window into the development of a talented director. I am impressed by his universality, as this feels like an authentic South American movie, just as The Diving Bell felt naturally French. The only glaring fault is its English dialogue. It sounds out of place and is often difficult to understand. Javier Bardem is really great as always.

Thought provoking beautifully directed film. I did find Javier Bardem as Reinaldo a little difficult to understand with his heavily accented English. Oliver Martinez is outstanding as Lazaro. But again the film showcases Johnny Depp's talent. Watch out for his convincing portrayal of the cross dressing Bon Bon, only to have him 10 mins later reappear in the dual role of Reinaldo's hard talking interrogator Lt Victor. Amazing. The movie is a little slow in places but you'll be glad if you can stay with it.

An-in-your-face film about the life of gay Cuban writer and poet Reinaldo Arenas, from his impoverished beginnings, his literary successes after Castro’s overthrow of Batista, his battles with the regime’s repression of homosexuality to his inglorious AIDS related death in New York at the age of 47 in 1990. Javier Bardem gives an outstanding performance of this artist martyr while Johnny Depp and Sean Penn lend their talents in cameo appearances.

Art directed up the ying yang - it is a visually stunning film. The story is interesting until the last 20 minutes when the director seems to rush to a quick and dirty ending. Still worth a look.

Gives a real feel for Cuba in the 50s and onwards - great acting.

Quite a harrowing film, but a good education. Javier Bardem and support cast are wonderful. In English with Spanish accent, but not too hard to understand. Do not watch when brain dead--this movie is about great literature and the script has many beautiful excerpts from it.

I rented this simply to see the wonderful Johnny Depp performance...and I was well rewarded even though he's only on screen for 10 minutes. Apart from that, the 2 paw rating pretty much sums it up. Vaguely interesting story focusing on gay lives and history.

Seemed a little slow at times. On the other hand, interesting biography of a persecuted gay Cuban writer during the Cuban revloution.

If I could work out how to give half paws, I'd actually give it 3 and a half. It is an insteresting movie and flows rather nicely between biography and snatches from Arenas' writing. The accents used are quite heavy so there are times when you have to concentrate to understand what is being said. It gives a view as to the oppression of Castro's dictatorship as Arena finds himself being censored and persecuted. The extra features are mostly text based with backgrounds on all the major actors and production staff. A biopic of a fascinating man that holds your interest throughout the movie :)

interesting but tough to stick at