Review of Dead Man (1995) by Vic R — 03 Jan 2010

Aside from a slow (but effective) third act and a general overuse of Neil Young's score in the film's middle section, this is a visually stunning and often funny deconstruction of America's popular Western mythology.

Unlike most of Jarmusch's films, which are primarily concerned with their own ironic world view, this film is deeply symbolic. The film chronicles the existential journey of Depp's character (ironically named William Blake) from accountant to murderous outlaw.

Blake is not a monster at all, here. Rather he is simply a victim of circumstance. The film replaces the usual hope and adventure associated with stories of the western expansion with a bleak and apocalyptic one.

Of course, there is still plenty of time for Jarmusch's deadpan brand of humor and some of the character interactions here are truly hilarious. As a matter of fact, this could have be cut down to an hour and a half and been a tight and funny film from front to back.

However, Jarmusch is after bigger game. I highly recommend this for Jarmusch fans but I would steer newbies to Mystery Train or Down by Law, first. As for those who can't stand his films, this will not convert many.