Alejandro Amenábar's follow up to the phenomenal Tesis, his 1995 debut which scooped seven Goyas (the Spanish Oscar). From a darkened cell in the psychiatric wing of a high security prison, César reluctantly relates the events that have led to his incarceration. In a series of flashbacks we come to know the charming, handsome and rich bachelor. A beautiful house, fancy car, seemingly unlimited funds, César is the envy of his male friends and the romantic target of women.

César is trying to ditch Nuria, an intense type who is totally infatuated with him. His chance comes when he steals his best friend's new love, Sofia. For once César is the pursuing party, a reversal of roles he seems to enjoy. Nuria's hysterically jealous response is to offer César a lift, floor the accelerator and total the car, killing herself and leaving César horribly mutilated.

This less than simple love triangle proceeds to develop into a terrifying psychological nightmare with foreboding overtones of hi-tech reality manipulation. César seeks solace in alcohol, violence and alienation, unable to come to grips with the fact that his appearance will never be restored. It doesn't help that Sofia keeps transforming into Nuria and vice versa. With sanity receding like a dim memory, César becomes involved in a shadowy life extension programme.

With overtones of ominous near future scientific developments and a central question of identity and perception, Open Your Eyes is both a Sci-Fi thriller and involving human drama. Exploring facets at the central core of our being and how they may be shaped (even within our own lifetime) makes for commanding viewing. A guaranteed Festival hit and another tremendous installment in the career of a director to watch closely.

Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1972 Alejandro Amenábar moved to Madrid where he studied journalism. He began making short films in 1991 and has worked as a camera operator, editor and composer on a number of video productions. Open Your Eyes is Amenábar's second feature after Tesis (1995).