 | The Dancer Upstairs Starring: Javier Bardem, Laura Morante, Juan Diego Botto, Elvira Minguez |
There is a lot to like about John Malkovich's directorial debut film, "The Dancer Upstairs". Loosely based on a real life terrorist movement in Peru known as The Shinning Path, the story by Nicholas Shakespeare weaves a tale of intrigue and mystery with an underlying dimension of modern day terrorism. Filmed prior to 9-11, the film takes on an important and frightening subject. An elusive and mysterious terrorist, known only as Ezequiel, makes his deadly presence known by hanging dead dogs and revolutionary slogans from lampposts in the capital city of an unnamed Latin American country. Little is known about Ezequiel except that he seems to enjoy widespread and loyal support from the poor, particularly the native Indian population in remote villages. When important government officials begin to be brutally executed along with innocent civilians, the investigation is placed in the hands of police Inspector Augustin Reyes (Bardem). Augustin is an ex-lawyer who quit the legal profession to become a lowly policeman. Little explanation is given for his choice but one can assume that the corruption in the courts inspired him to walk away. He's a smart, honest cop in a government structure where honesty is not only unappreciated but also suspect. His honesty and intelligence is second only to his need for privacy. Only his immediate team of investigators seems to appreciate Reyes and his intelligent, investigative methods. When Ezequiel increases his assassinations and sends fireworks into the night sky in celebration of his murderous assaults, the central government panics and declares martial law. Reyes must take a minor role in the investigation as the military assumes the principle role in the hunt for the invisible terrorist. Limited by his superiors, short on funding and help, Reyes continues to discover who and what is behind this strange and deadly terrorist movement. It's a dangerous business for a quiet family man/cop trying to support a lovely but somewhat shallow wife and a young daughter whom he adores. As Reyes uncovers more about Ezequiel things get threatening as he and his police companions become unwelcome targets of corrupt government officials. His troubles only worsen when he becomes strangely attracted to Yolanda (Morante), the mysterious ballet teacher to his young daughter. When Reyes finally gets his man (Ezequiel), he discovers that this so called heir to the "Fourth stage of Marxism" is only "a fat old man in a cardigan". The capture of this terrorist only puts Reyes life and career in critical jeopardy. The ending of this film, which I will not reveal, is a moving and lovely cinematic moment. Without question, Bardem is a powerful presence and his subtle portrayal of the troubled Inspector Reyes is strong and complex. Morante's Yolanda is a perfect combination of mystery and vulnerability. Filmed in Ecuador, the sensitive, dramatic cinematography by Jose Luis Alcaine juxtaposed with the haunting musical score adds to the strength of the film. Only the clashing of accents of Bardem (Spanish) and Morante (Italian) could be considered a minor flaw. Too bad it wasn't in Spanish with subtitles but I fear the producers would have little chance of getting distributed. "The Dancer Upstairs" is a well crafted, intelligent movie that impresses. I look forward to more offerings from John Malkovich, the director. Bravo! |