Open Your Eyes + Never Let Me Go

Episode Notes

Identity and reality. Open Your Eyes, a Spanish film recognizable for one weird reason, follows the story of a wealthy young man named César who suffers from a disfiguring accident and begins to question the veracity of his surroundings. The film delves into the concept of identity and the ways in which it can be altered or manipulated. On the other hand, Never Let Me Go, directed by Mark Romanek and based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, explores the theme of reality through the lens of a dystopian society in which human clones are raised for the sole purpose of organ donation. The film delves into the ethical implications of such a society and raises questions about the value of human life. Both films ultimately challenge the viewer to consider the concept of self and the role it plays in shaping our perception of the world.

Trailers

Covers

Open Your Eyes

Released: December 19, 1997
Runtime: 119 min | IMDB | Wikipedia

Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Writer: Alejandro Amenábar, Mateo Gil
Starring: Eduardo Noriega, Penélope Cruz, Chete Lera

A very handsome man finds the love of his life, but he suffers an accident and needs to have his face rebuilt by surgery after it is severely disfigured.

Never Let Me Go

Released: March 18, 2010
Runtime: 103 min | IMDB | Wikipedia

Director: Mark Romanek
Writer: Alex Garland
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, Andrew Garfield

As children, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy spend their childhood at an idyllic and secluded English boarding school. As they grow into adults, they must come to terms with the complexity and strength of their love for one another while also preparing for the haunting reality awaiting them.