Movie Monday - Biutiful

I didn't really 'get' the trailer for this (although I loved the Alexandre Desplat music that it stole from 'Lust Caution' - but it was Iñárritu, and Bardem, so I was very glad to hear that it was finally playing at Laemmle's in Santa Monica.

What a dark, quiet, devastating film it is. Bardem plays a father, in contemporary Barcelona, who is down on his luck and working multiple schemes to support his children and the various underdogs and victims he cares for in the shady side of city life. Oh, and he can also speak to the dead. To say any more might give things away, but suffice to say it is a must-see. Bardem is among the most interesting actors we have today - and how great that he continues to stretch himself and take on challenging, difficult roles.