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Before Night Falls

Episodic look at 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."

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Cast & Crew See All

Javier Bardem
Reinaldo Arenas
Johnny Depp
Bon Bon
Olatz Lopez Garmendia
Reinaldo's Mother

Featured Video

Before Night Falls
Before Night Falls
2:01

2:01 Before Night Falls

Awards

  • 2001 - Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role - nominated
  • 2001 - Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama - nominated
  • 2001 - SEFCA Award - Best Actor - winner
  • 2001 - Premio ACE - Cinema - Best Actor - winner

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