Rating: 
Summary: 133 minutes of brilliant film-making
Review: One doesn't need to know who Reinaldo Arenas was to appreciate this film. By the time it's over you can't wait to read Arenas' books (or re-read them as the case my be). Julian Schnabel has created a rich and multi-layered film about freedom and art - how staying true to the art of expressing yourself (even in the face of adversity) is the only truly liberating thing in life.For non-Spanish- (or French-) speaking film audiences, Javier Bardem and Olivier Martinez are the acting-Finds of the decade! Bardem is as well known to Spanish-speaking audiences, as Martinez is in France. We can only hope to see them both more often in English-language films that get widespread releases internationally. It's only a shame that Bardem didn't win the Oscar he was nominated for at the 2000 Academy Awards - seldom have I been so moved by an acting performance. Johnny Depp is lots of fun as "Bon-Bon" - the smuggling drag queen, but looks somewhat out of place in his double role as a Cuban police inspector (it's probably the glued-on mustache that doesn't work for me!). Keep and eye out for Sean Penn, too. The film is an extraordinary masterpiece! A "Must-See"!
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: 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: Exceptional, Powerful and heavy
Review: This was an outstanding film that told the story of a Cuban who was living in an oppressive time and to make matters even more harsh, he was gay. This is not light entertainment and will not leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. It's heavy and dark, dramatic and very powerful. I recomend the film for the outstanding acting and excellant film quality. I feel it was a good investment that helps us understand that Stonewall was not as bad as it could get. If you enjoy this film I also recomment "Bent" to better see what the past was like and remind us to be proud.
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.
Rating:
Summary: powerful , haunting and brilliant.
Review: This is the first movie that introduces me to the magnificent performance of Javier Bardem. Before night falls, basically tells the live of famous gay poet from Cuba, Reinaldo Arenas. The main part of the story depicts his life in the tumultuous times during the communist regime of Fidel Castro, and his persecution as a writer/poet and a homosexual.
Bardem's portrayal of Arenas is fantastic...at times, he makes you chuckle, at times, pity , sometimes cheers and finally, he will bring tears to your eyes. At times, the movie is very touching, and also can be very very funny, but just for the information , certain sequeances in the movie are not easy to watch, particularly during time of crackdowns violences, arrest and punishment and humiliation especially at the El Morro prison and Before Night falls doesn't have the happy ending many people are used to. As sad as the ending is, its also among the most powerful scenes I,ve ever witnessed.
The movie are quite abstract in certain places , since it's directed by painter/director Julian Schnabel and the bilingual (English/Spanish) style of the movie also can be a little confusing at times...but I got thru the entire movie without any problem. Watch it a second time , then the third time, and on and on... and it grows on you and the more you watch, the more beautiful the movie becomes, and the more you'll understand the style of the direction. Owning the DVD give me the chance to watch it many times. It is a beautiful and powerful movie, the acting are first rate and Javier Bardem totally immerge himself in the role that at times, I felt like he IS the real Reinaldo Arenas! Amazing. And do watch out for Johnny Depp's rare appearances in the movie...wonderful.
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.
Rating:
Summary: Before Night Falls
Review: Biopic of Reinaldo Arenas, an openly gay Cuban poet; also the best film of 2000. There's the given conflict of the revolution and his homosexuality, but none of it is drenched with the starving artist contrivance you could have found. He's incredibly sure of himself, confident, and handsome, and that's what makes the picture fly. There's no room for the maudlin or the melodramatic, it's understated even inside the incredible grainy cinematography, and no character begs to be understood or cries that he isn't. It's a movie about nice blends; his writing, his job, his friends, and everything done is done effortlessly even under the harshest layers of oppression. It's a bit romanticized, even nostalgic, but always smart about it. Schnabel begs us to come back to reality with harsh depictions, but we get the sense that he's trying to cover up his smirks over how wonderful the human spirit can really be. He makes the argument that if you had to choose a dictator to live under, you'd choose this one. Wonderful performance by Bardem.
Rating: 
Summary: Almost Completely Lacking Any Depth
Review: I will warn you first that I watched this movie only *after* reading the book, and I suppose that almost definitely clouds my judgement to some degree. Having said that, this movie is a purely super-superficial scratching of the hints of the surface of the memoirs of Reinaldo Arenas, almost completely devoid of any of the power and richness of the book. My wife, who had not read "Before Night Falls" watched with me, and her comment was, "Why should I care about this guy?" Based soley on the film, it was a fair question. The movie shows Arenas in a light that has the interesting effect of making him seem "better" and "worse" than he really was. Both the ravenous (and occasionally paedophilic) sexual appetite of the man is missing from the movie, as is a fair and moving depiction of the miserable hardship and persecution he suffered through. The strengths of the book are completely wasted here, as the vivid picture Arenas painted of the homosexual community in 1950s and 1960s Havana is barely touched on, and the political repression going on at the time is only hinted at. Additionally, as far as an accurate portrayal of a life, so many things are added and omitted as to make the movie virtually unreconizable as a cinematic depiction of Arenas' memoirs. So, what is left is an overlong movie full of undeveloped characters whose connections with each other are unclear, and a plot that you kinda-sorta are able to follow, but the sum total is "Who cares?" I do have to give kudos to Javier Bardem, however, for a fine performance, doing the very best with the little he had to work with. It's all unfortunate, because it was a really deep, impressive book...I suggest you drop the dollars for that and don't waste your time on this film.
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
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