What a treat! But, like most great things, it's not for everyone. Some people don't get it at all, just I don't get other films that people love. The strange thing about "Apartment Zero" is that it seems to talk directly to the outsider looking in. The 'non participant" who goes through life escaping and without noticing that he is actually participating. Colin Firth gives a performance of such maturity that I feel he was ripe for Oscar consideration even then, 23 years ago.The idea of a recluse opening his world against his will and letting the devil into his world has been explore many times in the movies but never quite like this. Sometimes is like a British play, a comedy of manners, some others is like Roman Polanski. "The Tenant" comes to mind. The simple opening of a door can be so frightening. Hart Bochner is also terrific as he lays, consciously or unconsciously, the trap for Colin Firth. Dora Bryan and Liz Smith are priceless pieces from a Terence Rattigan play. Fabrizio Bentivoglio, an ambiguous dream and James Telfer creates a unique transvestite. The film shook me up, disturbed me and entertained me no end. My only reservation is its length. That's why a 9 and not a 10
Review of Apartment Zero
