This hard-hitting biographical drama delves into the life of Cuban poet and novelist, Reinaldo Arenas (1943-1990), from his childhood in Oriente province to his death in New York City. He joins Castro's rebels. By 1964, he is in Havana.
He meets the wealthy Pepe, an early lover; a love-hate relationship lasts for years. Openly gay behavior is a way to spite the government. His writing and homosexuality get him into trouble: he spends two years in prison, writing letters for other inmates and smuggling out a novel.
He befriends Lázaro Gomes Garriles, with whom he lives stateless and in poverty in Manhattan after leaving Cuba in the Mariel boat-lift. When asked why he writes, he replies cheerfully, "Revenge."
Cast: Johnny Depp, Lia Chapman
Crew: Julian Schnabel (Director), Xavier Grobet (Director of Photography), Carter Burwell (Music Director)
Rating: MA (Australia)
Genres: Drama, Romance, Biography
Release Dates: 26 Jan 2001 (India)
Did you know? Olivier Martinez first English speaking role. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino were offered the role of great Cuban man of letters Lezama Lima. The part was finally played by a friend of Julian Schnabell who was Global Art Executive of David Rockefeller Founded Chase Bank Art Collection. Read More
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as Bon Bon / Lieutenant Victor
as Lolin
as Pepe Malas
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actress
as Carlos
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actor
as Virgilio Piñera
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actor
as Heberto Zorilla Ochoa
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actor
as Reinaldo's Grandfather
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actor
Direction
Director
First Assistant Director
Second Assistant Director
Production
Producer
Production Company
Executive Producer
Associate Producer
Distribution
Distributor
Writers
Screenplay Writer
Story Writer
Dialogue Writer
Camera and Electrical
Director of Photography
Steadicam Operator
Key Grip
Gaffer
Sound
Sound Effects Editor
Foley Artist
Sound Re-recording Mixer
Art
Art Director
Production Designer
Prop Master
Set Designer
Set Decorator
Set Dresser
Costume and Wardrobe
Costume Designer
Editorial
Editor
Associate Editor
First Assistant Editor
Assistant Editor
Special Effects
Special Effects Coordinator
Film Type:
Feature
Language:
English
Spoken Languages:
French, Russian, Spanish
Colour Info:
Color
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital
Camera:
ARRIFLEX 35 BL4, ARRIFLEX 535
Frame Rate:
24 fps
Aspect Ratio:
1.85:1 (Flat)
Stereoscopy:
No
Filming Locations:
Trivia:
The screenplay is based on the autobiography of the same name of Reinaldo Arenas, which was published in English in 1993.
This film had its world premiere at the 2000 Venice International Film Festival and its North American premiere at the 2000 Toronto Film Festival
Set in Cuba, the film was made entirely in Mexico, with Veracruz doubling as Havana. Julian Schnabel said the crew was so pleasant to work with that, if he was making a film in the arctic, he would use a Mexican crew.
Almost every scene, according to Guillermo Rosas, was photographed with a chocolate-colored filter on the camera lens. The contributed a great deal to distinctive colors and textures in the film, especially the skin tones, and the vibrancy in green hues.
The director's wife plays Javier Bardem's mother. All of Schnabel's children have bit roles as well.
Olivier Martinez first English speaking role. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino were offered the role of great Cuban man of letters Lezama Lima. The part was finally played by a friend of Julian Schnabell who was Global Art Executive of David Rockefeller Founded Chase Bank Art Collection.
This film had its world premiere at the 2000 Venice International Film Festival and its North American premiere at the 2000 Toronto Film Festival
Set in Cuba, the film was made entirely in Mexico, with Veracruz doubling as Havana. Julian Schnabel said the crew was so pleasant to work with that, if he was making a film in the arctic, he would use a Mexican crew.
Almost every scene, according to Guillermo Rosas, was photographed with a chocolate-colored filter on the camera lens. The contributed a great deal to distinctive colors and textures in the film, especially the skin tones, and the vibrancy in green hues.
The director's wife plays Javier Bardem's mother. All of Schnabel's children have bit roles as well.
Olivier Martinez first English speaking role. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino were offered the role of great Cuban man of letters Lezama Lima. The part was finally played by a friend of Julian Schnabell who was Global Art Executive of David Rockefeller Founded Chase Bank Art Collection.
