Review of Dead Man (1995) by Michael C — 26 May 2011

While it takes a moment for the pacing to really kick in, once it does it presents the viewer with a very interesting and fresh perspective on the American western. There is a very surreal quality about the whole thing as it feels set over 100 years ago but with minor contemporary nuances in terms of behavior and temperament that brings it into its own world in some way.

Depp's role in this is something of a tour guide through this brave new world, and while his performance is somewhat minimalist he is terrific in the film. The fact that for most of the movie his character is living on somewhat borrowed time adds to the desperation and bleak nature of the story too; it feels much like the Cormac McCarthy approach to westerns while still having the feel of a typical Jim Jarmusch film.

And the cameos are great: Iggy Pop, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Wincott, and Robert Mitchum in his final role? Count me in. Fans of traditional westerns will likely be turned off from the tone of the entire film, but for those who watch it open to new variations and ideas within the genre it makes for rewarding viewing.