Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 8, 1995 TAG: 9504110041
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The same story has been told in "A Fine Madness," "They Might Be Giants" and, most memorably, in "Harvey." It's the tale of the unconventional soul who is labeled insane but is actually more perceptive than the doctors trying to treat him.
This time around, the subject is a young man (Johnny Depp) who claims to be Don Juan DeMarco, son of the legendary lover. "I have made love to over one thousand women," he tells us. "I was 21 last Tuesday."
As the story begins, he dresses in cape and mask, straps on his sword and sets forth into the New York night for one last romantic encounter before he ends his life. He'll explain why presently, but first he finds himself atop a billboard. The suicide prevention squad calls in Dr. Mickler (Marlon Brando).
Playing along with the fantasy, Mickler claims to be Don Octavio and persuades Don Juan to be a "guest" at his "villa," a psychiatric hospital. There the other doctors recommend heavy medication, but as Don Juan tells the story of his picaresque adventures, Mickler finds himself drawn in. Not only drawn in, but also inspired. As Mickler approaches retirement, the wild tales rekindle a spark. His wife, Marilyn (Faye Dunaway), isn't sure she approves.
This kind of movie can't work without balancing fantasy and reality, and writer-director Jeremy Leven (``Creator") handles that part deftly. Don Juan's fantasies are never too sweet; the everyday world never too brutish. Much of the credit for that has to go to his cast.
Even though he is now approaching truly Pavarottian girth, Brando is charming and seemingly at ease. Without mannerisms or mumbling, he uses a lighter touch than he has demonstrated recently. Depp's role is the more colorful, but he doesn't overdo it either. He brings real conviction to the offbeat character, just as he did in "Ed Wood" and "Benny and Joon." Guys who are in the dating game these days should sneak tape recorders into the theater and memorize his monologues on women. The first one is one of the great pick-up scenes of our time.
"Don Juan DeMarco" does go out on a quiet note, not on a flourish, and that may disappoint some viewers. But, like the body of the film, it's a balanced ending. No, it doesn't measure up to Jimmy Stewart strolling off with Harvey to get a drink at Charlie's Bar, but not many movies do.
Don Juan DeMarco ***
A New Line release playing at Tanglewood Mall. 92 min. Rated PG-13 for subject matter, mild violence, language, brief nudity.
by CNB