New York Times - 04/16/1993
"...Cheerfully conceived and presented with admirable restraint....There are times when [Depp] genuinely seems to become [Buster Keaton]..."
USA Today - 04/16/1993
"...[Quinn and Masterson] are persuasive..."
Variety - 03/29/1993
"...Startling performances....Both Depp and Masterson, whose screen chemistry sparkles, excel in embodying the spirits of magic..."
Entertainment Weekly - 04/23/1993
"...BENNY & JOON becomes genuinely touching -- a love story about separation anxiety....Quinn has the charisma of goodness..."
Chicago Sun-Times - 04/16/1993
"...Depp pulls it off....Here, without ever explaining himself, he simply behaves sometimes in the real world in the way Keaton and Chaplin behaved in their movie worlds..."
Product Description:
Small-town mechanic Benny (Aidan Quinn, LEGENDS OF THE FALL) is perhaps a tad overprotective of his mentally ill artist sister, Juniper "Joon" Pearl (Mary Stuart Masterson of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES), but that's only because he's completely devoted to her well-being. When Benny loses a poker game and is forced to take in a friend's eccentric houseguest--a droll, dyslexic oddball (Johnny Depp) who goes by the name of Sam and models himself after silent-film star Buster Keaton--Joon finds herself falling into a romance unbeknownst to her brother. Benny does eventually find out, though, and both siblings must come to terms with their changing relationship. BENNY & JOON, a must-see for Depp fans, is chockful of whimsy and affection. This charming romantic comedy co-stars Julianne Moore and William H. Macy in early film roles.
Plot Synopsis:
Joon, a mentally disturbed young woman, lives with her older (and over-protective) brother Benny. He puts up with the untenable situation because of his love for her and his dislike of institutions. Just when their relationship reaches a point where things have to change, the soft-spoken Sam enters their lives and slowly begins a romance with the fragile Joon. His love proves to be just the therapy she needs -- and it finally gives the reclusive Benny, who hasn't even been able to commit to a second date, the chance to start a romance of his own.
Plot Keywords:
Character Study |
Love Triangle |
Mishaps |
Romance |
Theatrical Release
Production Notes:
Dan Kamin choreographed the "Physical Comedy Sequences."
Shot on location in Spokane, Washington, in Eastmancolor and Panavision; prints by Deluxe.
Screenwriter Barry Berman is a graduate of the "prestigious Clown College" and worked as a clown for the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus for a year.
Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification.
The Director's Cut includes deleted footage, the theatrical trailer, audio commentary by Jeremiah Chechik, wardrobe and makeup tests, and more.
Film Collectors & Archivists: Alpha Video is actively looking for rare and
unusual pre-1943 motion pictures, in good condition, from Monogram, PRC,
Tiffany, Chesterfield, and other independent studios for release on DVD. We
are also interested in TV shows from the early 1950s. Share your passion
for films with a large audience.
Let us know what you have.
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