Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
haunting, breathtaking, moving..., 25 Sep 2001
By A Customer
The critics who panned this film obviously missed the point. They label 'Dead Man' a "revisionist
counter culture western," which deconstructs the genre, reminiscent of some of the more eccentric westerns of the 1970's. Perhaps they feel justified in their role if they can put something into a box and then criticise it for not fitting into the contraints they themselves have placed it in?
This film is simply about the journey - actual and spiritual, of Johnny Depp's character who is changed forever by the people he meets on the way.
Ultimately though, the film is about death. Death of innocence, death of identity, and finally, bodily death. Shot entirely in monochrome, with a poignant soundtrack by Neil Young, there are some great cameo appearances throughout and some superb acting, as ever, by Michael Wincott as Conway Twill.
If you don't bring any pretensions to this movie, you will not come away disappointed. It proves that sometimes, the simplest concepts are beautiful because they are simple, and that sometimes, stories don't need to be told for any other reason than to be enjoyed.
|
|
|
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
Depp's Dead But Don't Know It!, 12 Jun 2001
By A Customer
Johnny Depp is a dead man. With a bullet lodged next to his heart he is unaware that his fate is sealed, however an indian who prefers to be called Nobody recognises his predicament and, mistaking him for his hero (poet William Blake), sets about helping him get back to the mystical realm where he belongs. Don't be misled on this one by reviewers who try to make out that the film is somehow a languishing turkey with a flimsy score and no plot. They haven't understood it and probably didn't even watch all the way to the end. It's no formulaic action-adventure but a well-told, thoughtful story about accepting your fate and getting on with it. The only real disappointment is Iggy Pop desperately attempting to act. But the sheer authenticity of Gary Farmer as Depp's self-appointed saviour is by itself a reason to buy this film. (He reprises the role as a cameo in 'Ghost Dog'). A great moment in cinema. Buy it, Watch it, Love it.
|
|
|
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
A strange western masterpiece of the nineties., 18 Aug 2000
Dead Man is a triumph of cinematography. Jim Jarmusch has created an excellent vehicle for Johnny Depp [William Blake} who is cast as an offbeat innocent drawn into a world where life is cheap and he must delve into the depths of his humanity for survival. Beautifully filmed in Monochome which adds to the atmosphere and enriches the characters and scenic landscape of the old west. Cameo performances from Robert Mitchum, Iggy Pop etc. add the mood and strangeness of this film. Gary Farmer [Nobody], excellent as the indian who befriends Depp and leads him towards his final destiny. The final poignant scenes are both visually beautiful and moving aided by a wonderfully haunting soundtrack by Neil Young which will live long in the memory after the film is over. Depp fans will love this as he is at his best and will watch this one again and again. Highly recommended. B Lynch.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
(17 customer reviews)
(
