Before Night Falls

Janjon

February 1, 2001

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Speaking of movies, has anyone else seen Before Night Falls?

An interesting mess, be it. Woefully artsy in some ways (lingering ground level shots upward of trees swaying here and there, etc.). Almost incoherent in terms of much of the plot line (important characters drift in and out with not enough rationale or the ability to figure them all out.)

And, getting to the heart of it, I don't really think that the movie does sufficient justice to what seemingly is its central theme - growing up as and being hounded/persecuted for being a homosexual in the Castro era immediately after the overthrow of Battista and for the decade or so thereafter. Somehow, it could have been much more harrowing, I believe.

Having said that, the color and filmatography generally is quite beautiful and some (but hardly all) of the acting was quite good. Especially Johnny Depp who plays two "cameo" roles - a beautiful Queen in Prison and a sadistic (probably complex) army officer.

I recommend waiting for video.