Review of Julien Donkey-Boy (1999) by John N — 15 Feb 2011
On 5th viewing I've decided that this is my favourite Harmony Korine film. Easily the most focused in it's randomness, but also the least meandering. A lot of people get it twisted. Korine's films aren't about story, but about conveying a certain realism and perspective to his chosen subjects.
Where Gummo was about white trash culture, this film is about insanity and what I imagine that perspective would look/feel like is conveyed perfectly. There is also a good amount of humour to be had here (I don't feel at Julien's expense) but I can never stop laughing throughout this.
That's a good thing in my books. Most bone fide COMEDYS that come out now don't even get an uncomfortable smirk from me. Werner Herzog is brilliant in this film. Ewan Bremner is brilliant. The rest of the cast do a good job.
A modern classic for sure. From a filmmaking standpoint this is also never dull and always trying to do new things. People have accused this film of being unfocused, nonsensical, headache inducing, pretentious, infantile, and so on.
Whatever. As I've said Korine's movies aren't about telling a story, but offering a perspective. This isn't a film that you forget about a week after seeing, and for that I say that it is a daring classic.
Easily my favourite Korine film, though he is a 'love it or leave it' director and writer. So love it or leave it.
This review of Julien Donkey-Boy (1999) was written by John N on 15 Feb 2011.
Julien Donkey-Boy has generally received positive reviews.
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