Before Night Falls Soundtrack (

Before Night Falls Soundtrack (2000) cover

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Rating: 7.20/10 from 26000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Antes que anochezca
Title in Italiano:

Prima che sia notte
Title in Português:

Antes que Anoiteça

Synopsis

Before Night Falls is an episodic look at the life of Cuban poet and novelist, Reinaldo Arenas (1943-1990), from his childhood in Oriente province to his death in New York City.

He joins Castro's rebels and by 1964, he is in Havana. He meets the wealthy Pepe, an early lover; a love-hate relationship lasts for years. Openly gay behavior is a way to spite the government.

His writing and homosexuality get him into trouble: he spends two years in prison, writing letters for other inmates and smuggling out a novel.

He befriends Lázaro Gomes Garriles, with whom he lives stateless and in poverty in Manhattan after leaving Cuba in the Mariel boat-lift. When asked why he writes, he replies cheerfully, "Revenge."

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Before Night Falls
El Que Siembra Su Maiz
Miguel Matamoros: Writer
Trio Matamoros: Performer
Tu Veras
Miguel Matamoros: Writer
Trio Matamoros: Performer
Ay Mariposa
El Trio Y El Ciclon
Miguel Matamoros: Writer
Trio Matamoros: Performer
Aguirre, Der Zorn Gottes (Lacrime Di Re)
Baton Rouge
Loop Vamp
Los Tamalitos De Olga
Descarga Sonora
Crisantemo
Por Que Me La Dejaste Querer?
Duerme
Surrounding The Casbah
Conoci La Paz
Kamata Mariyam
El Canonero
Adagietto, Sehr Langsam
Fefita
El Tumbaito (Guayabero)
Carter Burwell: Performer
El Que Siembra Su Maiz (Trio Matamoros)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Los Tamalitos De Olga (Orquesta Aragon)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Crisantemo (Ernesto Luceuona)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Duerme (Bebo Valdez)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Conoci La Paz (Beny More)
Carter Burwell: Performer
El Canonero (Beny More)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Tu Veras (Trio Matamoros)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Ay Mariposa (Pedro Luis Ferrer)
Carter Burwell: Performer
El Trio Y El Ciclon (Trio Matamoros)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Descarga Sonora (Sonora Matancera)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Por Que Me La Dejaste Querer (Bola De Nieve)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Balloon Escapes (Carter Burwell)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Kamata Mariyam (Fairuz)
Carter Burwell: Performer
The Roof Vanishes (Carter Burwell)
Carter Burwell: Performer
Whistling (Various Artists)
Carter Burwell: Performer

User reviews

Donald Anderson
6/10

The soundtrack of Before Night Falls effectively captures the emotional journey of Reinaldo Arenas, from his struggles in Cuba to his life in exile in New York City.

Carol Martinez
8/10

The soundtrack's diverse range of musical styles mirrors the different stages of Arenas' life, effectively highlighting the evolution of his character and experiences.

Charles Robinson
7/10

The musical score in the film not only complements the narrative but also elevates it, adding layers of complexity and depth to the overall viewing experience.

Michael Young
5/10

The contrast between the upbeat, lively songs and the more melancholic compositions mirrors the complex and tumultuous life of the protagonist.

Joshua Lewis
6/10

The haunting melodies and somber tones in certain tracks evoke the sense of isolation and longing that defines Arenas' experience as a stateless individual.

Joshua Nelson
5/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Before Night Falls is a poignant and evocative accompaniment to the film, enhancing the viewer's emotional connection to the protagonist's journey.

Ashley Brown
5/10

The use of traditional Cuban music in the film's score adds an authentic and immersive quality to the storytelling, enhancing the cultural context of the narrative.

Nancy Garcia
1/10

The musical choices in the film seem disconnected from the historical and cultural context of Cuba in the 1960s and 1970s, missing an opportunity to enhance the storytelling through a more authentic and cohesive soundtrack.

Joshua Hill
8/10

The emotional depth and rawness of the songs in Before Night Falls resonate with the audience, creating a profound connection to the protagonist's struggles and triumphs.

Margaret Hill
2/10

Despite the poignant and intense moments depicted in the film, the soundtrack at times feels like an afterthought, lacking a cohesive theme or memorable melodies that could have elevated the viewing experience and resonated with the audience on a deeper level.

William Mitchell
7/10

The music enhances the film's atmosphere and helps to convey the complex relationships and inner conflicts depicted in the life of Reinaldo Arenas.

Jennifer Roberts
7/10

The use of traditional Cuban music elements in the score adds an authentic touch to the storytelling, immersing the audience in the cultural background of the protagonist.

Mark Martinez
6/10

The music in Before Night Falls plays a crucial role in underscoring the themes of political oppression, artistic expression, and personal resilience that are central to Arenas' story.

Patricia Scott
8/10

The haunting melodies in the soundtrack of Before Night Falls perfectly capture the emotional turmoil and struggles faced by Reinaldo Arenas throughout his life journey.

Mary Walker
1/10

The soundtrack of Before Night Falls fails to capture the emotional depth and complexity of Reinaldo Arenas' tumultuous life journey, often feeling generic and uninspired.