Before Night Falls (2001)

Reshaping his physique, his mannerisms and even his accent, Spanish actor Javier Bardem more than deserved his Best Actor nomination at this year's Oscars. The broad shouldered hunk of the likes of Jamòn, Jamòn and Live Flesh is unrecognisable at times as the slight, fey Arenas. But his performance is more than just a collection of physical tics - Bardem's hugely expressive face gives aching voice at times to the pain, as well as the joy, that Arenas suffers as he goes through abuse, imprisonment and ultimately AIDS. He's something special.

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