Apartment Zero (1988)

Set in modern day Buenos Aires, the film centers around a relationship between two emotionally crippled roommates. Adrian LeDuc is a lonely sociopath who is forced to rent his insane ... See full summary »

Director:

Martin Donovan

Writers:

Martin Donovan (story), Martin Donovan (screenplay)

Stars:

Hart Bochner, Colin Firth, Dora Bryan

5 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hart Bochner	...	Jack Carney
Colin Firth	...	Adrian LeDuc
Dora Bryan	...	Margaret McKinney
Liz Smith	...	Mary Louise McKinney
Fabrizio Bentivoglio	...	Carlos Sanchez-Verne
James Telfer	...	Vanessa
Mirella D'Angelo	...	Laura Werpachowsky
Juan Vitali	...	Alberto Werpachowsky
Cipe Lincovsky	...	Mrs. Treniev
Francesca d'Aloja	...	Claudia
Miguel Ligero	...	Mr. Palma
Elvia Andreoli	...	Adrian's Mother
Marikena Monti	...	Tango Singer
Luis Romero	...	Projectionist
Oca Spirito	...	Woman in Cinema 1

Storyline

Set in modern day Buenos Aires, the film centers around a relationship between two emotionally crippled roommates. Adrian LeDuc is a lonely sociopath who is forced to rent his insane mother's room due to poor ticket sales at his revival movie theater. Jack Carney, the new roommate, appears normal enough at first but it soon becomes apparent that he is hiding something. As their friendship develops, Adrian suppresses his suspicions that Jack may be the government mercenary turned serial killer who has been terrorizing the city. The other eccentric residents of the building begin to worry as Adrian shows increasing signs that his mother's insanity may be hereditary. The shocking climax of this twisted tale of deceit, perversion and murder reveals the darker side of the human psyche.

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Plot Keywords:

tenant | projectionist | mother son relationship | apartment | apartment building | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Finnish censorship visa (video): I-05032

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Quotes

Adrian LeDuc: If that is a mask please take it off now, or keep it on forever.

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Alternate Versions

The out-of-print Japanese laserdisc edition of this film is the original 124 minute theatrical cut.

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Connections

References Blue Velvet (1986)

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Soundtracks

Cambalache
By Enrique Santos Discepolo
Arranged by Luis Maria Serra

User Reviews

A Poetic Thriller Of Reluctant Darkness

I couldn't speak for quite a while after the movie was over. I had been taken for an emotional ride and I was totally unprepared for it. Colin Firth is extraordinary in his tragicomic creation. Firth manages to find a "shape" for his character's insecurities. It is moving and funny, creepy and never before seen. Can you name a character like Adrian in another movie? Someone made the comparison with Roman Polanski in "The Tenant" and although I understand, I disagree. There is a flash of intellect in Firth's Adrian that made the character, for me, totally real. I know that guy and that thought alone is disturbing. Hart Bochner's Jack is perfect as the catalyst, the tempter because when he's looking at Adrian we can break through the darkness and realize that he's as human as Adrian. The Apartment Zero is populated by a multinational chorus who, individually, will give in to the stranger. Am I confusing you? Bits of Pasolini's Teorema as well as Harold Prince's Something For Everyone and at the same time light years away from both of them. A true original.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

15 September 1989 (UK)

Also Known As:

Apartment Zero

Filming Locations:

Argentina

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$21,823, 17 September 1989

Gross USA:

$1,267,578

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,267,578

Company Credits

Production Co:

Producers Representative Organization, The Summit Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min 117 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1