Overwhelming majority of the greatest science fiction film are American and it isn’t surprising, because usually only Hollywood has technological and financial resources required for the successful genre productions. However, on occasion, great science fiction films might come from other cinema industries. One such example provides Spain, where Open Your Eyes, 1997 film directed by Alejandro Amenabar, became massive hit and later lauded as one of that country’s most successful films of 1990s.
The plot begins in hospital for criminally insane where psychiatrist Antonio (played by Chete Lera) talks to César (played by Eduardo Noriega), young man accused of murder who is always carrying mask. Through flashbacks we are introduced to César as man who is a living a dream, being blessed not only by large amount of money inherited by parents who died fifteen years ago, but also by stunning looks that allow him to have different girlfriend each night. At his birthday party César’s best friend Pelayo (played by Fele Martinez) introduces him to Sofia (played by Penelope Cruz), aspiring actress with whom he has started dating. César is attracted to her and doesn’t mind stealing his friend’s girlfriend, but he actually needs Sofia for different reasons. He is being followed by Nuria (played by Najwa Nimri), young woman with whom he had one night stand and who is now turned into obsessive stalker. César hopes that his flirting with Sofia would finally convince Nuria that the relationship is over. He spends night in Sophia apartment and although two of them don’t have sex, Nuria might have different ideas. Next morning she offers a ride home for César, who accepts, not knowing that Nuria wants to kill them both by deliberately crashing her vehicle. This is only the beginning of tragic, inexplicable and frightening events that would turn César’s life into nigthmare and make him question his grasp of reality.
Open Your Eyes is the second feature of Alejandro Amenabar, made a year after critically acclaimed debut Thesis. This film reunited Amenabar with his friend and co-writer Mateo Gil and their script, like the previous, was set in milieu of Madrid’s urban youth, people very much like the authors. Open Your Eyes cleverly exploits fear of the unknown as one of the most basic human emotions and this include opening lines which, depending on context and mood, could cause anxiety and curiosity alike. Amenabar is very good in enhancing those emotions by style of direction that generally avoids scenes of explicit violence or gore and leaves much of disturbing content to audience’s imagination. Amenabar also pays great attention to minor details that allows viewers to paint different pictures of what is going on and make Open Your Eyes seamlessly jump between various genres – psychological drama, thriller, horror and science fiction.
What is even more interesting is basic premise of the film, which looks similar to those used for Dark City and The Matrix, but which is at the same time refreshingly original. This is also due to Amenabar not using big Hollywood budgets nor needing “cool” special effects to tell a captivating and mind-bending story. The characters are well-written and, more importantly, interpreted by very talented cast. Eduardo Noriega is great in the complex role of initially dislikeable and arrogant protagonist who is later forced to rebuild his life while fighting to maintain sanity. Penelope Cruz is also very good in her role, although the most impressive part of her role is a scene when character of Sophia performs pantomime in the park, which is more an interesting detail than something crucial for the plot. Her performance benefits from having good chemistry with Noriega. Chete Lera and Fele Martinze are also good in their roles. Although soundtrack co-written by Amenabar and Mariano Marin at the times sounds overwhelming, Open Your Eyes represents excellent piece of science fiction cinema. Unsurprisingly, its commercial success in Spain and good critical reviews led to Hollywood remake Vanilla Sky where Penelope Cruz reprised her role, while protagonist was played by Tom Cruise.
RATING: 9/10 (++++)
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