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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.
All Critics (114) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (73) | Rotten (41) | DVD (10)
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. Jul 18, 2018 | Full Review…
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.
Brandon Judell
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. May 23, 2003 | Rating: 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.
Jay Boyar
It thrives on the hush before the explosion instead of its aftermath, and it's that eerie sense of expectation that gives the film its thick aura of suspense. May 16, 2003 | Rating: 3/4
It thrives on the hush before the explosion instead of its aftermath, and it's that eerie sense of expectation that gives the film its thick aura of suspense.
Rene Rodriguez
It is not revolutionary, but it brims with promise and a love of film, and is a fine if worried dance indeed. May 16, 2003 | Rating: B+
It is not revolutionary, but it brims with promise and a love of film, and is a fine if worried dance indeed.
Tom Long
Moving, melancholy, and, yes, political. May 16, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/4
Moving, melancholy, and, yes, political.
Lisa Kennedy
Reflects its director, being intelligent and elegantly turned-out but distant. May 16, 2003 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Reflects its director, being intelligent and elegantly turned-out but distant.
Terry Lawson
The Dancer Upstairs is intelligently scripted, beautifully photographed, nicely paced and well-acted. Dec 6, 2014 | Full Review…
The Dancer Upstairs is intelligently scripted, beautifully photographed, nicely paced and well-acted.
Philip Kerr
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. Jun 9, 2006 | Rating: B- | Full Review…
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.
Emanuel Levy
Em sua estréia na direção, Malkovich conduz a história com segurança e sem exibicionismo, enquanto Bardem oferece mais uma grande atuação. Apr 25, 2004 | Rating: 4/5
Em sua estréia na direção, Malkovich conduz a história com segurança e sem exibicionismo, enquanto Bardem oferece mais uma grande atuação.
Pablo Villaça
'Shakespeare retooled his novel for the screen adaptation ... It is Malkovich who reinjects the mystery, along with a little magic.' Mar 3, 2004 | Full Review…
'Shakespeare retooled his novel for the screen adaptation ... It is Malkovich who reinjects the mystery, along with a little magic.'
Matt Kelemen
Malkovich's take on a world of corruption, intrigue and terrorism is elegantly mysterious, but...leaps in plot and missteps in character trip up The Dancer Upstairs. Dec 1, 2003
Malkovich's take on a world of corruption, intrigue and terrorism is elegantly mysterious, but...leaps in plot and missteps in character trip up The Dancer Upstairs.
Brian Gibson
Engaging. Oct 8, 2003 | Rating: 3/5
Engaging.
Jurgen Fauth
A hugely promising directorial debut by John Malkovich, this is a stunning political thriller. Javier Bardem is perfect as an ambitious police captain, saddled with a materialistic wife, who finds himself falling for his daughter's dancing teacher while hunting for a revolutionary leader in an unnamed Latin American state. Intelligent, disturbing, suspenseful, romantic and, finally, moving, the film is perfectly paced and very well photographed. Strongly recommended.
Super Reviewer
A very solid directorial effort from Malkovich, with flaws and everything. Bardem is spot on in the main role.
An intelligent, riveting, tense and nerve wrecking thriller. skillful and remarkable. Malkovich gives and outstanding directional debut. Javier Bardem delivers an astonishing performance. It's as thrilling as it is inriuging.
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