Directed by Julian Schnabel
Written by Cunningham O'Keefe, Lázaro Gómez Carriles and Julian Schnabel (screenplay); Reynaldo Arenas (memoir)
Cinematography by Xavier Pérez Grobet and Guillermo Rosas

Javier Bardem as Reinaldo Arenas Olivier Martinez as Lazaro Gomez Carilles Andrea Di Stefano as Pepe Malas Johnny Depp as Bon Bon/Lieutenant Victor Sean Penn as Cuco Sanchez Michael Wincott as Herberto Zorilla Ochoa Olatz Lopez Garmendia as Reinaldo's Mother Vito Maria Schnabel as Teenage Reinaldo Najwa Nimri as Fina Correa Hector Babenco as Virgilio Pinera Jerzy Skolimowski as Professor Sebastian Silva as Reinaldo's Father

Running Time: 125 min.
Release Date: Dec. '00

Overall Call:
Before Night Falls is look at the life of Reinaldo Arenas, a gay Cuban poet/novelist in the 1960's. This may seem like a storyline that won't appeal to many. However, if you have the opportunity to see this film you will enjoy it. It certainly falls into the art house genre. It doesn't come across preachy or pretentious. It opens with some exquisite shoots of Reinaldo Arenas as a child in his impoverished surroundings. As the story picks up the picturesque cinematography lets up only slightly, now and then delivering some gorgeous shots that almost distract you from the story. The performances are top notch and Javier Bardem is definitely deserving of his Oscar nomination. Also standing out in an all to brief cameo is Sean Penn. If you can remain open to subject matter you'll be in for a beautiful treat.

Reasons For Recommendation:
+ One of the most beautifully shot movies.
+ Top notch acting