Friday, October 23, 2009

The Dancer Upstairs

Augustin Rejas (Javier Bardem) attempts to find the mysterious Ezequiel -- the leader of a revolution being fermented by native people of a Latin American nation. But weighing equally heavy on Rejas's psyche is his attraction to the teacher (Laura Morante) of his daughter's ballet class. The affair provides solace to the emptiness of his marriage and his frustration in the search for Ezequiel, but it's not a cure-all. Directed by John Malkovich.

For anyone who thought they'd never watch Javier Bardem after seeing "No Country For Old Men" then you need to see this as the antidote. He plays an honest policeman and disillusioned lawyer finding a bad guy and trying to balance his life. It is a very nuanced performance and I though John Malkovich generated a subtle movie, regardless of there being some violence. I think if this had been made after NCFOM, Bardem would have been nominated for another Oscar, as well as Malkovich for best director. It's a compelling story, beautifully filmed, with some scenes so well done they'll stay with me for a long time. I suggest this for everyone.

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