Benny and Joon is a charming romantic fairy tale about two of societies' outcasts that fall in love.
Joon (Mary Elizabeth Masterson) is a talented artist who suffers from a mental illness which makes her prone to mood swings and outbursts of anger. It is her older brother Benny's (Aidan Quinn) job to look after her, which means his social life is often on hold and his love life is non existent. That is until Joon wins Sam (Johnny Depp) in a poker game, a fellow misfit who also does not fit in with societies expectations of how to behave. He is then taken on as a housekeeper by Benny who warns him about Joons unpredictable behaviour. However Sam's novel approach to housework and his delight at the world around him soon allows him to connect with Joon on a deeper level than her brother can understand; but time is running out as Joon's doctor strongly recommends that she be placed in a home, which Benny gradually begins to accept as his desire to live his own life, and his inability to deal with Joon, increases.
The cast is excellent, with superb performances from all involved, including powerhouse support from Julianne Moore, Oliver Platt and William H Macey; but it is Depps mix of childlike wonder and joy of living that engages us so thoroughly. His antics beautifully encapsulate the magic and charm of Chaplin and Keaton, combined with Depps own skill at adding a hidden depth and soul to whatever character he plays.
The film does have its flaws. Perhaps Sams' eccentricities, such as his passion for old movies, his Chaplinesque routines and his novel way of ironing toasted cheese sandwiches, replace any depth to the character, and perhaps the film trivialises mental illness. However it is not trying to make any serious point or statement other than that to deal with life it is often our insanity that keeps us sane, and one of the best things in life is the chance to fall in love, and be loved in return.
A thoroughly enchanting film that will make you want to be spontaneously romantic and appreciate all the little oddities and endearing quirks in yourself and your loved one. In this messed up world we are all a little mad, and the best we can hope for is to find someone as crazy as ourselves and cling on to them forever.
Besides, any film that starts and ends with the Proclaimers Celtic tones is all right with me.
Joon (Mary Elizabeth Masterson) is a talented artist who suffers from a mental illness which makes her prone to mood swings and outbursts of anger. It is her older brother Benny's (Aidan Quinn) job to look after her, which means his social life is often on hold and his love life is non existent. That is until Joon wins Sam (Johnny Depp) in a poker game, a fellow misfit who also does not fit in with societies expectations of how to behave. He is then taken on as a housekeeper by Benny who warns him about Joons unpredictable behaviour. However Sam's novel approach to housework and his delight at the world around him soon allows him to connect with Joon on a deeper level than her brother can understand; but time is running out as Joon's doctor strongly recommends that she be placed in a home, which Benny gradually begins to accept as his desire to live his own life, and his inability to deal with Joon, increases.
The cast is excellent, with superb performances from all involved, including powerhouse support from Julianne Moore, Oliver Platt and William H Macey; but it is Depps mix of childlike wonder and joy of living that engages us so thoroughly. His antics beautifully encapsulate the magic and charm of Chaplin and Keaton, combined with Depps own skill at adding a hidden depth and soul to whatever character he plays.
The film does have its flaws. Perhaps Sams' eccentricities, such as his passion for old movies, his Chaplinesque routines and his novel way of ironing toasted cheese sandwiches, replace any depth to the character, and perhaps the film trivialises mental illness. However it is not trying to make any serious point or statement other than that to deal with life it is often our insanity that keeps us sane, and one of the best things in life is the chance to fall in love, and be loved in return.
A thoroughly enchanting film that will make you want to be spontaneously romantic and appreciate all the little oddities and endearing quirks in yourself and your loved one. In this messed up world we are all a little mad, and the best we can hope for is to find someone as crazy as ourselves and cling on to them forever.
Besides, any film that starts and ends with the Proclaimers Celtic tones is all right with me.