Before Night Falls (2000)

Directed by Julian Schnabel. Starring Javier Bardem, Olivier Martinez, Héctor Babenco, Andrea Di Stefano, Johnny Depp, Santiago Magill, John Ortiz, Francisco Gattorno, Manuel González, Michael Wincott, Marisol Padilla Sánchez, Pedro Armendáriz Jr. [R]

A biopic using the fragmented snapshot approach that actually works okay—as incoherent at times as it is impressionistic, but anchored by Bardem’s stubborn yet soulful performance. He plays Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas, who led a difficult life for both his open homosexuality and his critical stance against Fidel Castro and the communist climate that festered during the man’s regime. More a deeply-felt elegy than fiery agitprop, it’s Arenas’ passion that carries the film through its story lulls and the sometimes frustrating decision to pay deeper tribute to the poet’s legacy than the poet himself. Depp appears in what amounts to two extended cameos as different gay characters—one polished and strapping, the other a vivacious transvestite. The screenplay, co-written by director Schnabel, is based on both Arenas’ autobiography and Jana Boková’s book, “Havana”. Sean Penn and Diego Luna have small roles.

69/100