The Dancer Upstairs is a compelling directorial debut from actor John Malkovich. This political mystery soars with stunning locations and a
stellar turn by Javier Bardem (Before Night Falls) who plays investigator Augustin Rejas, a man who finds himself knee deep in a case involving a series of politically motivated crimes. Malkovich directs this compelling character study with the same intense energy he instills in his performances. Much of the picture is dark in tone bringing to mind moments in David Fincher's Seven, but rest assured, this is a much different picture. While I've talked to many people who appeared to be bored by the film, I was absolutely captivated by it's political themes, shocking realism and wonderful ensemble. The Dancer Upstairs even has elements of a buddy cop picture, but a very restrained one. In fact it is the understated nature of the film that appealed to me most. I get the distinct impression that if this was a big studio picture, it would have become a rocessed thriller complete with predictable double crosses and huge explosions. As it stands, The Dancer Upstairs is an outstanding character study with unexpected and, more importantly, realistic plot developments, and the ending of the movie is gut wrenching. This is a terrific film-one of the best of the year.