Open Your Eyes (1997) / Abre Los Ojos
Before being remade in the US as VANILLA SKY, there was this gem by Alejandro Amenabar, who would later direct the equally excellent flick in 2001, THE OTHERS. This is a hard film to review, as it’s relatively easy to give too much away. There is quite a bit of oddness to the narrative, which makes sense (for the most part) as the events unfold. Astonishingly, this also predated the twisty event films like THE MATRIX and its clones by two whole years.
The storyline shifts back and forth in time, with a handsome and wealthy man named Cesar, who enjoys his share of the ladies through his success and good looks. He is the envy of his friends, the whole world on a string. Then one night at a party, Cesar meets and falls for a woman named Sofia (Penelope Cruz), and the two have instant chemistry. This doesn’t sit well with Nuria, Cesar’s last romantic interest, which gives Cesar a ride and promptly commits suicide by crashing the vehicle at high speed. Cesar miraculously survives, but at a price, as his good looks are now gone behind a ton of reconstructive surgery that leaves his face hideously disfigured. Now feeling unloved, he tries to vie for Sofia’s attention, hoping she will love him for what he is beyond the looks and money.
Saying anything about the plot should be criminal for a reviewer. About the only thing I can say without giving up too much is that ABRE LOS OJOS makes a sharp turn into the Twilight Zone after a bit, yet in the end, it sews up the weirdness into a satisfying whole. Director Amenabar is a revelation, both as writer and director, and is perhaps the sole reason the film is as good as it is. Terrific atmosphere, proper use of music (which Amenabar also did), an excellent cast and a hell of a story, yes, it all adds up to bleak yet great head trip and a half. It’s not always easy to watch, but now that your eyes are open, you won’t be able to turn away from the screen.
Qwipster’s rating: A+
MPAA Rated: R for some strong sexuality, language, and some violence
Running Time: 117 min.
Cast: Eduardo Noriega, Penelope Cruz, Cheto Lera, Fele Martinez, Najwa Nimri
Director: Alejandro Amenabar
Screenplay: Alejandro Amenabar, Mateo Gil