A cinematic venture teeming with potential and intriguing concepts, “The Dancer Upstairs” offers a fictionalized take on the Shining Path terror movement, delivering an absorbing yet occasionally vexing experience. John Malkovich’s direction occasionally wavers into amateurish territory, marked by uneven pacing and TV movie-like transition shots. The storyline oscillates between a primary politico-social drama and a somewhat inconspicuous romance, converging in a plot twist that I had anticipated around forty-five minutes earlier.
Key points
The film’s duration seems extended, and its attempt to exude maturity and intellect falls slightly short of its aspirations. Initially hinting at a Costa-Gavras-style political dissection or a John Sayles-esque panoramic social portrait, it ultimately unfolds more as a conventional thriller with an exotic backdrop, offering fewer surprises than one might anticipate.
Despite these shortcomings, Javier Bardem’s performance is a standout. Portraying a character reminiscent of Chandler’s archetype, he effectively anchors the film, embodying the lone honest hero and idealist in a world dominated by self-interest. Even the contemplated affair adds a dimension of purity to his character. Bardem navigates the role with subdued yet smoldering, muscular charm and energy, contributing significantly to the film’s appeal.
Film Summary (The Dancer Upstairs – 2002):
“The Dancer Upstairs” is a political thriller directed by John Malkovich. Set in an unnamed Latin American country, it follows Agustin Rejas, a police detective, as he investigates a revolutionary group led by a mysterious figure known as Ezequiel. The film explores the complexities of political unrest, love, and morality against a backdrop of social upheaval.
Cast:
- Javier Bardem as Agustin Rejas
- Juan Diego Botto as Sucre
- Laura Morante as Yolanda
- Elvira Mínguez as Llosa
- Alexandra Lencastre as Sylvina
- Oliver Cotton as Ambassador
- Abel Folk as Judge Ayala
- Marie-Anne Berganza as Lucrecia
- Javier de la Vega as Presidente Ezequiel
- Nuno Salgueiro as Riger
Crew:
- Director: John Malkovich
- Writer: Nicholas Shakespeare (based on his novel)
- Cinematography: Jose Luis Alcaine
- Music: Alberto Iglesias
- Producer: Andrés Vicente Gómez, John Malkovich, and others
The film delves into the complexities of political intrigue and personal morality, offering a gripping narrative supported by strong performances from the cast and Malkovich’s directorial vision.
