“Johnny Handsome” is a film about a disfigured career criminal who undergoes plastic surgery to start anew. His new face makes him feel like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, but his old life catches up with him and he’s forced into one last heist. The movie features stellar performances from Mickey Rourke and Morgan Freeman, and is an intense exploration of redemption and revenge.
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Review
In the world of storytelling, there are certain tales that transcend time and place. These are stories that reach deep into our souls, stirring emotions we didn’t even know we had. The film “Johnny Handsome” is one such story, possessing the power to take us on a journey through the darkest corners of the human experience and emerge on the other side changed forever.
The film, set in Louisiana, tells the story of John Sedley (Mickey Rourke), a career criminal with a deformed face who longs for a new life outside of prison walls. His wish is granted when a plastic surgeon (Forest Whitaker) offers him an experimental procedure that will give him a new appearance. With his new face and identity as Johnny Handsome, he sets out to start anew. However, his old associates soon catch up with him, leading to a dangerous game of betrayal and revenge.
At its core, “Johnny Handsome” is a tale about redemption. It explores themes of morality and how our choices can have lasting consequences on our lives. It also delves into the idea of identity and how much it defines who we are as individuals.
The film boasts an impressive cast including Ellen Barkin as Johnny’s love interest Sunny Boyd, Lance Henriksen as Johnny’s former partner-in-crime Rafe Garrett, and Morgan Freeman as Detective Drones. Each actor delivers strong performances that help bring their characters to life.
Director Walter Hill does an excellent job setting the tone for this gritty crime drama through his use of atmospheric lighting and moody cinematography. The score by composer Ry Cooder also adds to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Despite its critical acclaim and star-studded cast, “Johnny Handsome” was not a box office success upon its initial release in 1989. However, it has since gained a devoted following among cinephiles who appreciate its nuanced performances and complex storytelling.
One reason for the film’s lasting popularity is its timeless themes. As Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said, “A masterpiece should be measured by its longevity, and not by its pretensions.” “Johnny Handsome,” while perhaps not considered a masterpiece by all, has certainly proven to stand the test of time.
Another factor contributing to the film’s popularity is its memorable dialogue. One of the most famous lines from the movie comes from Johnny himself when he says, “I don’t feel like no Johnny Handsome. I feel like a guy with somebody else’s face.” It’s a poignant moment that captures the character’s struggle with his new identity.
The film also features standout scenes such as a tense confrontation between Johnny and Rafe in a church confessional booth and an epic car chase through the streets of New Orleans.
While some critics have accused “Johnny Handsome” of being overly violent and lacking in substance, others see it as a thought-provoking exploration of morality and redemption. Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars, praising Rourke’s performance as “compelling.”
In terms of awards recognition, “Johnny Handsome” was largely overlooked during awards season. However, it did earn a nomination for Best Original Score at the 1990 Academy Awards.
Ultimately, what makes “Johnny Handsome” such an engaging and creative film is its ability to delve into complex themes while still maintaining an exciting pace. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to transport us beyond our everyday lives and confront us with questions about who we are as individuals.
In conclusion, while some may view “Johnny Handsome” as just another crime drama, those who take the time to dive deeper will find a rich tapestry of emotions and ideas waiting for them. The film may have been overlooked upon its release over 30 years ago, but it continues to live on in the hearts and minds of those who appreciate its artistry and depth. As Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said, “There is always something left to love.” In the case of “Johnny Handsome,” it’s a film that continues to inspire us with its timeless story of redemption and the power of transformation.
Technical Data
- Release : 1989-09-12
- Runtime : 94
- Genre : Crime, Drama
- Cast : Mickey Rourke as Johnny Handsome, Ellen Barkin as Sunny Boyd, Morgan Freeman as Lt. A.Z. Drones, Forest Whitaker as Dr. Steven Fisher, Elizabeth McGovern as Donna McCarty
- Crew : Charles Roven as Producer, John Morris as Sound Editor, Bonnie Timmermann as Casting, Walter Hill as Director, Freeman A. Davies as Editor
- Revenue : $7,237,794
- Budget : $20,000,000
- Company : Guber/Peters Company, Roven Productions, Carolco Pictures
- Popularity : 17.204
- Summary : A career criminal who has been deformed since birth is given a new face by a kindly doctor and paroled from prison. It appears that he has gone straight, but he is really planning his revenge on the man who killed his mentor and sent him to prison.
- Tagline : They changed his looks, his life and his future… but they couldn’t change his past .
