Review of Johnny Suede (1991) by Tristan F — 06 Jan 2008
I remember first seeing it on SBS during Des Magnan's cult movie nights. I taped it and watched it countless times. I recently saw it for the first time in years on DVD and had forgotten how great it was.
Brad Pitt is hilarious as the slightly dim but harmless hipster who wants to be the Ricky Nelson of his day, even though he lives in a typically 1990s independent film vision of New York as a desolate city of weirdos.
It's very consciously oddball in the style of Jarmusch and Lynch, but it is perceptive about macho self-image, relationships (Catherine Keener's no bullshit acting helps tremendously in this area) and reto style.
The surf-rock instrumental music (with a hand by Link Wray) is outstanding and Nick Cave turns in a hilariously wicked supporting performance as the successful singer, Freak Storm. Find this film if you can, it's a real charmer!
This review of Johnny Suede (1991) was written by Tristan F on 06 Jan 2008.
Johnny Suede has generally received mixed reviews.
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