The Dancer Upstairs

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The Dancer Upstairs

R,

2003,

2h 13m,

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

64%

110 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

110 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Lawyer turned police detective Agustin Rejas (Javier Bardem) is on the case of a domestic terrorist cell whose tactics range from the mischievous to the homicidal, led by self-proclaimed President Ezequiel (Abel Folk). Distracting Rejas from his investigation is his daughter's dance instructor, Yolanda (Laura Morante), with whom Rejas begins an unexpected romance. As Rejas grows closer to both Yolanda and the terrorists, he begins to suspect that there might be a connection between the two.

Critics Consensus

The Dancer Upstairs benefits from a talented cast and alluring intelligence, although pacing problems prevent this John Malkovich-directed mystery from reaching its full potential.

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Brandon Judell

IndieWire

Jul 19, 2018

With a clever Graham-Greene-esque script, choice acting by the whole ensemble (especially Bardem), fine music by Alberto Iglesias, and the strong directorial control of Malkovich, the film zips along.

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Philip Kerr

New Statesman

Dec 6, 2014

The Dancer Upstairs is intelligently scripted, beautifully photographed, nicely paced and well-acted.

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Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

May 23, 2003

2/5

The Dancer Upstairs is, like its director, sleek, mysterious and intelligent. But until its last-half hour or so, it is also, unfortunately, mind-numbing.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Jun 9, 2006

B-

Though flawed and listless as a political drama or thriller, Malkovich's feature debut deserves credit for itis ambition and for tackling an overtly political theme (guerrilla wars in Peru), a rare sight in today's indie milieu.

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Scott Nash

Three Movie Buffs

Sep 30, 2005

2.5/4

Tony Medley

tonymedley.com

Oct 7, 2004

8/10

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Anakin R

Aug 1, 2017

After giving this film some thought, I liked it a lot more after thinking about it. I thought the pacing was a bit slow and sometimes the romance and political tension seemed to butt heads, convoluting one story from going full steam ahead. However, each character is brimmed with unique features that really make you feel for them, and Bardem's relationship with his daughters ballet teacher really game full circle after thinking it over. The ending scene with his daughter and the beautiful song being played really captures the essence of the film as well

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George P

Jun 18, 2017

okay but pacing was a bit slow

Albus S

Jan 6, 2017

Good film. The last scene, the music and images of his daughter broke my heart.

Luke R

Nov 13, 2007

The Dancer Upstairs would have made a suitable double feature with "The Quiet American"; both films unfold slowly, build toward an anxious climax and end with a shrug of grief.

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John Malkovich

Director

Javier Bardem

Agustin Rejas

Juan Diego Botto

Sucre

Laura Morante

Yolanda

Elvira Mínguez

Liosa

Alexandra Lencastre

Sylvina

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Synopsis

Lawyer turned police detective Agustin Rejas (Javier Bardem) is on the case of a domestic terrorist cell whose tactics range from the mischievous to the homicidal, led by self-proclaimed President Ezequiel (Abel Folk). Distracting Rejas from his investigation is his daughter's dance instructor, Yolanda (Laura Morante), with whom Rejas begins an unexpected romance. As Rejas grows closer to both Yolanda and the terrorists, he begins to suspect that there might be a connection between the two.

Director: John Malkovich
Producer: John Malkovich, Andrés Vicente Gómez
Screenwriter: Nicholas Shakespeare, Nicholas Shakespeare
Distributor: Fox
Production Co: Paramount
Rating: R (Strong Violence|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.4M
Runtime: 2h 13m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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