Episodic look at the life of Cuban poet and novelist, Reinaldo
Arenas (1943-1990), from his childhood in Oriente province to his
death in New York City. He joins Castro's rebels. By 1964, he is in Havana.
He meets the wealthy Pepe, an early lover; a love-hate relationship
lasts for years. Openly gay behavior is a way to spite the
government. His writing and homosexuality get him into trouble: he
spends two years in prison, writing letters for other inmates and
smuggling out a novel. He befriends Lázaro Gomes Garriles, with whom
he lives stateless and in poverty in Manhattan after leaving Cuba in
the Mariel boat-lift. When asked why he writes, he replies
cheerfully, "revenge."
Year:
2000
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Cast: Javier Bardem, Oliver Martinez, Andred Di Stefano,
Jonny Depp,
Diego Luna
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