A repressed young cinephile takes in a boarder whose charismatic personality wins over the idiosyncratic occupants of the building. However, it's soon difficult for the tenants to ignore the clues linking their new friend to a string of brutal political murders. Riveting and macabre, with a truly suspenseful story building gradually to a shockingly humorous conclusion.
The proprietor of a Buenos Aires revival-house cinema meets an American "free spirit;" and before long, he has agreed to let the stranger board in his flat, which is decorated with pictures of movie stars.
Although the theater owner obsequiously vies for the American's affections, he becomes aware that unexplained murders have been taking place in the city, and that his lodger may not be exactly what he seems.
As their relationship develops, both men attempt to discover who the other one is, and what he is striving to attain.
Director Martin Donovan was born and raised in Argentina, but has lived most of his adult life in England.
Premiered at the 1989 Cinetex Film Festival in Las Vegas.
Film's running time is 124 minutes in theaters and sometimes on television; however it runs 117 minutes on video and laserdisc, and was cut under the supervision of director Donovan.
Winner Best Picture and Best Director at the Seattle International Film Festival, 1989.
CFI color and prints. Shot on location in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Additional cast: Cipe Lincovsky (Mrs. Treniev), Francesca D'Aloja (Claudia), Miguel Legero (Mr. Palma), Elvia Andreoli (Adrian's Mother), and Marikena Monti (Tango Singer).
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Special Edition
Theatrical Version
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.78
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary:
1. Martin Donovan - Director; David Koepp - Writer/Producer; Steve Soderbergh - Actor
2. Martin Donovan - Director
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Review 1:
"...A dazzling mix of mirth and menace...a rare find..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.36 11/02/1989
Review 2:
"[T]he Buenos Aires-set thriller displays a rich and morbid sense of humor." -- Grade: B+
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.87 02/23/2007
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