This is John Malkovich's first feature length film as a director (he did a short). In fact, it is his only film as a director, and one wonders why, as it is clearly a great effort. Like Javier Bardem (Before Night Falls, No Country for Old Men), who stars in the film, the slow, almost monotonous tone of Malkovich is seen throughout. Perfect for the story being told.
The film is a complex political mystery story based on the hunt for Abimael Guzmán, the founder of Perú's Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), in the 1980s.
Bardem never seems to change expression, whether he is hunting a terrorist, or romancing his daughter4's ballet teacher. He is pursuing something both times. He does that in his slow, manner method. Even when presented with the fact that illusions are just that, he keeps hoping and trying until he realizes that it will only be through his daughter's dance that he can have the teacher.
If there is anything to criticize in the film, it is the teacher, Laura Morante's (The Empire of Wolves) complete lack of political interest or emotion. I suspect that may be Malkovich's doing, as he is not of the proper political thought to be making this type of movie.
One could certainly understand Bardem's passion for something more meaningful in a relationship once meeting his wife, Alexandra Lencastre, who cared for nothing but looking better.
An excellent performance by Bardem.
The film is a complex political mystery story based on the hunt for Abimael Guzmán, the founder of Perú's Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), in the 1980s.
Bardem never seems to change expression, whether he is hunting a terrorist, or romancing his daughter4's ballet teacher. He is pursuing something both times. He does that in his slow, manner method. Even when presented with the fact that illusions are just that, he keeps hoping and trying until he realizes that it will only be through his daughter's dance that he can have the teacher.
If there is anything to criticize in the film, it is the teacher, Laura Morante's (The Empire of Wolves) complete lack of political interest or emotion. I suspect that may be Malkovich's doing, as he is not of the proper political thought to be making this type of movie.
One could certainly understand Bardem's passion for something more meaningful in a relationship once meeting his wife, Alexandra Lencastre, who cared for nothing but looking better.
An excellent performance by Bardem.