Synopsis

Cesar, a wealthy young man whose confidence depends on his good looks, survives a deliberate car crash that leaves him severely disfigured. As he struggles to rebuild his life, reality begins to fracture around him: faces change, memories conflict, and his relationships become impossible to trust. His search for the truth leads to a disturbing revelation about identity, technology, and desire.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film's original Spanish title is Abre los ojos, which translates directly as "Open Your Eyes."

• The story was developed by Alejandro Amenabar and Mateo Gil over several months. Producer Jose Luis Cuerda committed to the project before the success of Tesis, Amenabar's previous film.

• Amenabar described the film's Madrid as cold and impersonal, using extensive exterior locations despite shooting during the summer. He also said the story could have taken place in almost any major city.

• Amenabar wrote the screenplay and contributed to the music, continuing the hands-on approach he had established with Tesis.

• After its 1998 Sundance presentation, the film attracted Tom Cruise, whose production company acquired the English-language remake rights. Cameron Crowe's Vanilla Sky followed in 2001, with Penelope Cruz reprising her role.

• The film's mixture of romance, psychological suspense, and science fiction helped establish it as an international cult favorite. In 2002, it ranked 84th on the Online Film Critics Society's list of the top 100 science-fiction films.