Don Juan DeMarco Reviews

I already saw this movie but since it was such a long time ago, I was quite eager to check it out again. In fact, I’m pretty sure I saw the damned thing in the movie theater when it was released at the time. Anyway, 20 years ago, when Johnny Depp was still considered as a box-office poison, he was also one of the most interesting actors at work at the time. Still, to be honest, before re-watching the damned thing, I was pretty sure it was probably not one of the best movies he made at the time (his track-record was back then pretty amazing). Well, I have to admit that I was actually really positively surprised by the damned thing, even after all these years. Indeed, on the paper, the whole thing sounded really ludicrous and there was no way that such a mix involving mental illness and a typical romance should have worked. And, yet, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the damned thing. Indeed, Johnny Depp was a perfect choice to play this character and even Marlon Brando delivered here one of the very decent performances when the end of his career was at the time pretty pathetic. Hell, even the sub-plot involving Brando's love life with Faye Dunaway was cute and effective. Eventually,  even though it was maybe not a masterpiece, it still must be one of the very few movies I have seen which really managed to mix so well something terribly serious like a mental patient with a whimsical romance and I think it is definitely worth a look, especially if you are interested in Johnny Depp’s work.

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.