Don Juan DeMarco
Every movie lover/reviewer harbors a shameful little secret - while they spend their time lauding serious films with deep messages, talking about visionary cinematography or writing expository essays about tortuous characterizations, they don't tell you about that one film that they really love. It may be a B-movie starring their favorite big-busted scream queen, or trashy gross out comedy or one of dozen other genres. But be assured that that film is kept amongst the blank tapes and will never shares the same shelf space as the serious films in their collection. Well I for one won't hide my copy anymore!
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Unable to find his true love, Don Juan DeMarco, the giver of pleasure, cannot, go on living. His efforts are foiled by one Dr. Mickler, a skilled and weary physician who has grown tired of paint by the numbers psychiatry. Shipped off to a psychiatric hospital for an evaluation, Don Juan asks to be given the opportunity to recount his tragic life and convince the doctor that he is not delusional. Mickler, surprised by Don Juan's candor and apparent lack of artifice agrees to the deal. And thus begins a remarkable journey.
I first saw this movie in 1996- I had gone to get some rentals at the local video outlet and found the no brainer action flick I wanted, but needed to find something romantic for my girlfriend (I made a promise). While scouring the shelves for something that didn't look too mushy, I accidentally knocked this movie off the shelf. I did a quick scan of the synopsis, and figured "Bingo" and ran home. It was one of the most fortuitous mistakes I ever made.
Johnny Depp shines as Don Juan DeMarco - he is witty, fresh, and sincere. Depp repeatedly takes us into the realm of cheeziness, but playing Don Juan any other way would be a mistake -his message would be too hard to accept if it weren't tongue in cheek. Don Juan's exuberant spirit and ability to discern what is truly important is readily contagious. Marlon Brando is also a joy to watch as Dr. Mickler, indeed it's the most he's given himself over to a role in decades. His transformation from bitter, tired old man to vibrant wide eyed optimist open to life's gifts is thoroughly engaging. Rounding off the cast is Faye Dunaway, as Dr. Mickler's devoted. She successfully conveys the stunned amazement and joy at discovering an unknown side of a partner she has lived with for decades.
Many aspects of this film are far-fetched, indeed ridiculous, but the underlying story and its message are too hard to resist. Unless you are a dyed in wool cynic, you will find the magic in Don Juan DeMarco. I still do
Every movie lover/reviewer harbors a shameful little secret - while they spend their time lauding serious films with deep messages, talking about visionary cinematography or writing expository essays about tortuous characterizations, they don't tell you about that one film that they really love. It may be a B-movie starring their favorite big-busted scream queen, or trashy gross out comedy or one of dozen other genres. But be assured that that film is kept amongst the blank tapes and will never shares the same shelf space as the serious films in their collection. Well I for one won't hide my copy anymore!
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Unable to find his true love, Don Juan DeMarco, the giver of pleasure, cannot, go on living. His efforts are foiled by one Dr. Mickler, a skilled and weary physician who has grown tired of paint by the numbers psychiatry. Shipped off to a psychiatric hospital for an evaluation, Don Juan asks to be given the opportunity to recount his tragic life and convince the doctor that he is not delusional. Mickler, surprised by Don Juan's candor and apparent lack of artifice agrees to the deal. And thus begins a remarkable journey.
I first saw this movie in 1996- I had gone to get some rentals at the local video outlet and found the no brainer action flick I wanted, but needed to find something romantic for my girlfriend (I made a promise). While scouring the shelves for something that didn't look too mushy, I accidentally knocked this movie off the shelf. I did a quick scan of the synopsis, and figured "Bingo" and ran home. It was one of the most fortuitous mistakes I ever made.
Johnny Depp shines as Don Juan DeMarco - he is witty, fresh, and sincere. Depp repeatedly takes us into the realm of cheeziness, but playing Don Juan any other way would be a mistake -his message would be too hard to accept if it weren't tongue in cheek. Don Juan's exuberant spirit and ability to discern what is truly important is readily contagious. Marlon Brando is also a joy to watch as Dr. Mickler, indeed it's the most he's given himself over to a role in decades. His transformation from bitter, tired old man to vibrant wide eyed optimist open to life's gifts is thoroughly engaging. Rounding off the cast is Faye Dunaway, as Dr. Mickler's devoted. She successfully conveys the stunned amazement and joy at discovering an unknown side of a partner she has lived with for decades.
Many aspects of this film are far-fetched, indeed ridiculous, but the underlying story and its message are too hard to resist. Unless you are a dyed in wool cynic, you will find the magic in Don Juan DeMarco. I still do