Open Your Eyes (Abre los Ojos)

REVIEW
In the wake of such recent mindbending films as The Matrix and ExistenZ, science fiction fans may have overlooked this mesmerizing Spanish-language production. They shouldn't. This hypnotic thriller -- both sexy and beautifully filmed -- takes a European approach to the idea of virtual reality. Carlos (Noriega) has a problem: he has turned up in a psychiatric hospital wanted for murder after one of his girlfriends tried to kill him. Does Sofia (the luscious Cruz), the woman he may truly love, hold the answer? Director Amenabar keeps the audience guessing as the plots flash back, forward, and eventually intertwine before the satisfying ending. Noriega is terrific in the main role, a smug ladies' man who discovers the unexpected truth while Cruz smolders as the femme fatale. The film's stylish visuals are dazzling, though it falls prey to a few too many plot twists. (Spanish with English subtitles)