This is a great film, taken from a book and turned into visual poetry by
the great Julian Schnabel. I didn't quite know what to expect, but what
I got was so compelling that I went back to see it a second time. It's
rare that you see a film about a poet (that is not a documentary) that
actually makes you see the poetry- Schnabel visualizes Arenas words in
ways that force you to feel them as you're seeing them, which is no mean
feat. The camera work is all new to me, shot in a style that can only be
described as unconventional- and that's not to say that it's noticable
or trying to be 'hip'- it's like a singer who has her own style that you
can't quite pinpoint but that is clearly not classically trained. Nina
Simone comes to mind. Anyway, it's refreshing and vital and it feels
almost like a documentary in the best way, you are made to feel that you
are a participant. The lead role, Reinaldo Arenas is inhabited fully by
Javier Bardem. I've seen him before in some Spanish films, but never
utilized to such a magnificent extent as he is here. He is this
character so thoroughly that at times it's frightening. His passion, his
life, his voice, everything about him is absolutely perfect. In fact,
all the supporting roles are amazing as well- I was particularly
impressed with Johnny Depp as two very different roles, and Sean Penn as
a local driving a wagon. Not large parts, not showy ones either. Well,
actually, Depps is kind of a show boat role- but the fact that these
great actors did this film, obviously to help Schnabel get it made
somehow, is quite telling. I don't know the names of the other actors,
but the ones that played Arenas gay friends in Cuba were all glorious.
And to see Cuba- although it wasn't filmed there!- is a treat as well.
The music is perfect, everything about this film makes you want to sing.
This is an outstanding film and well worth seeing.
the great Julian Schnabel. I didn't quite know what to expect, but what
I got was so compelling that I went back to see it a second time. It's
rare that you see a film about a poet (that is not a documentary) that
actually makes you see the poetry- Schnabel visualizes Arenas words in
ways that force you to feel them as you're seeing them, which is no mean
feat. The camera work is all new to me, shot in a style that can only be
described as unconventional- and that's not to say that it's noticable
or trying to be 'hip'- it's like a singer who has her own style that you
can't quite pinpoint but that is clearly not classically trained. Nina
Simone comes to mind. Anyway, it's refreshing and vital and it feels
almost like a documentary in the best way, you are made to feel that you
are a participant. The lead role, Reinaldo Arenas is inhabited fully by
Javier Bardem. I've seen him before in some Spanish films, but never
utilized to such a magnificent extent as he is here. He is this
character so thoroughly that at times it's frightening. His passion, his
life, his voice, everything about him is absolutely perfect. In fact,
all the supporting roles are amazing as well- I was particularly
impressed with Johnny Depp as two very different roles, and Sean Penn as
a local driving a wagon. Not large parts, not showy ones either. Well,
actually, Depps is kind of a show boat role- but the fact that these
great actors did this film, obviously to help Schnabel get it made
somehow, is quite telling. I don't know the names of the other actors,
but the ones that played Arenas gay friends in Cuba were all glorious.
And to see Cuba- although it wasn't filmed there!- is a treat as well.
The music is perfect, everything about this film makes you want to sing.
This is an outstanding film and well worth seeing.