The Dancer Upstairs
Policeman Agustin Rejas (Javier Bardem) is instructed to apprehend the famous guerilla leader Ezequiel (Abel Folk), the brains behind a grassroots revolution that is threatening to reach the city and cause the downfall of the government. Alarmed by the brutal tactics of intimidation adopted by Ezequiel's followers, the military responds with violence of their own - thereby provoking an atmosphere of collective panic. It is Rejas who is caught in between the two forces, as he doggedly pursues the already legendary Ezequiel at a cost to himself and to his marriage. Amidst a city under siege, Yolanda (Laura Morente), his daughter's dance teacher, provides Rejas the solace and inspiration he needs to capture the rebel and become a genuine hero to the people.
Marking the feature directorial debut of John Malkovich, The Dancer Upstairs was released by Fox Searchlight in May 2003. Nicholas Shakespeare adapted his novel for the screen. Academy Award® nominee Javier Bardem (Before Night Falls) stars.
"For his directorial debut, John Malkovich makes a meticulous, absorbing movie about a terrorist." - Read full article, A Subtle Passion for Good - Richard Schickel, Time Magazine