Review of The Sea Inside (2004) by Miguel M — 18 Jan 2010

I have now seen Javier in three central roles I can recall. These are, in the order I saw them: No Country for Old Men, Vicky Christina Barcelona, and The Sea Inside. He's a radically different man in each, and in each he astounded me with amount of presence he gives his characters. What unique force and life he gives them, a total dedication, unlike so many other character actors out there. Javier is a great talent, evidently capable of lighter, comic characters and the darkest of all characters, and then everything in between.

The screenplay is at once funny and compelling and sad. The use of music, interestingly enough, borders on overuse but resounds perfectly. Being swept away to sea by the camera did not get old for a second, but was probably the most emotional moment in the movie for me.

So this was great, but the Diving Bell and the Butterfly, from what I remember, was even better. Similar concept, slightly different, more claustrophobic approach in Diving Bell, apparently more to my liking. But it's hard to say. This was so brilliant in so many subtle ways.