Reviews of Don Juan DeMarco

Strong romantic film

Posted : 3 months, 3 weeks ago on 18 May 2008 06:44 (A review of Don Juan DeMarco)

"Every true lover knows that the moment of greatest satisfaction comes when ecstasy is long over and he beholds before him the flower that has blossomed beneath his touch."

The thought of the monumentally attractive, mighty popular heart-throb Johnny Depp portraying the greatest lover of all time isn't too arduous to comprehend. Johnny will be everlastingly considered by many to be the 'Sexiest Man Alive' (voted this title on several occasions); ergo making a film with Johnny playing a charismatic ladies' man was a smart move on the part of the filmmakers.

Don Juan DeMarco has a stellar reputation with the ladies. Like I previously mentioned, this man is the greatest lover of all time. At the beginning of the movie, a man who professes to be Don Juan DeMarco (Depp) is determined to terminate his life because of how strongly he feels about his true love who has rejected him. This young man is saved by the authorities and relocated to a mental institution to be examined. At the institution he is up for a 10-day examination to be assessed on his mental competence, and if it is safe to release him back into society. For these 10 days Don Juan is sent to psychiatrist Jack Mickler (Brando) who is nearing his retirement. Jack takes on the case; spending lots of time with Don Juan with the hope of uncovering the boy's true identity and curing him of an obvious mental illness. Over the duration of 10 days, Don Juan talks about his life story beginning from early childhood. His sensual, romantic stories inspire Jack to reignite the relationship with his wife Marilyn (Dunaway).

Don Juan DeMarco is certainly one to approach if you're looking for an atmospheric romantic film. The film has a romantic quality that is irresistible if you're looking for a film to watch with a partner or a date. It successfully sets a whimsically seductive atmosphere through its performances and powerful visual images. It's a great journey to undertake with a great abundance of romantic stories, tongue-in-cheek humour and some extremely charming portrayals.

I'm positive it goes without saying that Johnny Depp is utterly terrific in the title role. Depp has never been like this before - he's charming and appealing, with an alluring voice. There is no mystery as to why he was cast to play this illustrious character. Because of Depp's great looks one could almost say that he's a contemporary reincarnation of the greatest lover of all time. This would meet with no debate from any of the world's female race, I'm sure. Marlon Brando (R.I.P) is visibly past his prime. Now he is old and hence lacking an overwhelming screen charm. On the contrary he looks the part and never lapses concentration. It has been a long time since On the Waterfront, Apocalypse Now and The Godfather so don't expect his Oscar-worthy skills to resurface. Brando will always be one of the world's much-loved actors due to his past roles that made him a star. Fay Dunaway's performance is average at best. She certainly did what she could; however she failed to engage me in any lines she delivered.

Don Juan DeMarco is crafted superbly with an accomplished production team. The romantic atmosphere is set by the lavish camera utilisation, solid direction and seductive music. However despite impressive production values, the film bogged severely during its middle section. The film failed to maintain my interest after a solid first half an hour.

Don Juan DeMarco succeeds in accomplishing a moody love story but nothing more. It's flawed marginally in its story-telling as well as a few members of the cast. Despite a number of shortcomings, this is a film that will certainly be enjoyed by hopeless romantics.

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Don Juan DeMarco

Posted : 6 months, 3 weeks ago on 16 February 2008 02:32 (A review of Don Juan DeMarco)

This is a sweet, romantic film about Don Juan - the greatest lover of all time. Just that idea of Johnny Depp as Don Juan is perfect in my mind, so I had no doubt that he would again deliver an outstanding performance.

As I have said, this follows the story of Don Juan DeMarco, known for his talent of seducing women. Marlon Brando's character in this is a psychiatrist, who has Don Juan as his patient. The story centres around their sessions together and we learn what the psychiatrist learns about Don Juan's past life. The title character in himself is an excellent idea for a movie like this, and I thought it was great to have a lot of the story told through the words and visions of Don Juan.

Marlon Brando isn't exactly a favourite actor of mine, so for me that was one of it's downsides. Faye Dunaway was pretty average, although she had a small role in this. Overall it is definitely an enjoyable and seductive movie I for one definitely found worth watching. I'd recommend this if you are a Johnny Depp fan, or if you are in the mood for a unique love story.

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