The Dancer Upstairs
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Movie Reviews of The Dancer Upstairs
Movie Review: Mature political thriller
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the book, which I loved, and was gratified at how well and faithfully John Malkovich brought it to the screen. The acting was superb, especially Javier Bardem. This is not a movie for an audience looking for the typical Hollywood thriller and would be much too violent for those seeking a love story. The tension builds slowly as the police realize that years of apparently unrelated violence were in fact the beginnings of a revolution that is rapidly gathering steam. The violent acts become increasingly ominous as dead dogs are found hung from lampposts, schoolchildren gun down government officials, and the revolutionaries advertise their inevitable arrival in the capitol by staging power blackouts accompanied by surreal fireworks displays. The book and movie are very unusual but this is not an 'art' movie. It plays as a straightforward story of a hunt for the revolutionary leader with a subplot of the chief detective's growing love for his daughter's dance teacher. It is one of the best political thrillers I've seen and, again, the acting was terrific.Movie Review: Slow, beautiful, thinker's movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Though this movie is slow moving and quiet, it is one of the finest films I've seen in forever. Javier Bardem is amazing. No question. The music is spare but affecting (and one of the most memorable parts of this film). I don't want to give away any of the plot but this is a real thinker's love story (in the midst of a terrorist revolution-in-the-making backdrop), smart, brilliant, surprising in every way without gratuitous sex scenes and cheesy, predictable "happily ever after" endings. Malkovich is a genius. Bardem makes you feel his pain. A must see for any smart film lover. Can't recommend enough.Movie Review: Superb, seventies-style political drama
Summary: 5 Stars
Tremendous directorial debut by John Malkovich. The Dancer Upstairs is a must for lovers of highbrow foreign art films.The mystery is how such an intelligent political drama with a distincly non-USA focus was directed by a known Hollywood name like Malkovich. Evidently, art as universal parable is alive and well.
Likewise, Javier Bardem establishes himself as a powerful leading man, reminiscent of Raul Julia but even better, without kowtowing to Hollywood cliches.
All in all, a classic tour de force, one that holds the promise of wonderful future performances all around.
Movie Review: Subtle, Moving...
Summary: 5 Stars
What I liked most about this film was the fact that it focused on the emotions and personal lives of the characters, instead of just showing blow 'em up action scenes. This is a slow-moving, drawn out piece, which engages the watcher in (the brilliant) Javier Bardem's poignant world of uncertaintity and sentiment. It is a political thriller with philosophical undertones, a great script, wonderful acting, and directed appropriatly by Malkovich. Also, because of the emotional engagement, the violent scenes are all the more terrifying. I highly reccomend this to all.Movie Review: Paper reviews do no justice
Summary: 5 Stars
I was very impressed with "The Dancer Upstairs". I was interested in the movie, originally because of Juan Diego Botto. I have seen him in other movies and I am a fan. After seeing it in the theater, I was hooked. The trailer keeps you in suspense and gives the impression of a love story, but this movie is so much more. I loved it!!!!