Review of Don Jon (2013) by Cl 9 — 17 Feb 2015

There's a lot to love in this dramedy from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who starred, directed, and wrote this film. It has some really great performances from everyone involved: Tony Danza has never been more enjoyable to watch onscreen, Johansson is caustically hilarious, Moore is the best aspect of this entire film, and Gordon-Levitt actually gives a realistic performance as the sweaty, meat headed Jon.

The main problem of the film is that it has a message that is belittled by its inclusion of relationship politics. If it was only about the problems, and pure humanity, of sex addicts (especially within communities full of these Jersey stereotypes) this film would be easy to love.

The inclusion of a unique May-December relationship was especially inspired. On top of that the film tries to draw a line between the enjoyment of porn by guys, and the enjoyment of romantic comedies by women.

This is a really strange, unclear connection that doesn't make much sense in the grander scheme of the film. That, and the relationship between Jon (Gordon-Levitt) and Barbara (Johansson) makes little sense to the rest of the narrative.

Why it is included at all is a mystery. Is it a portrayal of women's expectations in general, or is it saying something about Jon's expectations when it comes to sex? It's a very strange narrative, and one that paints women as needy and pessimistic.

This narrative is especially damaging when you look at the conclusion, which belittles sex addiction by having Jon end his addiction with free will. There have been better films that deal with this subject without getting everything absolutely wrong.