Benny And Joon
(1993)
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Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson), a mentally disturbed young woman, lives with her older (and over-protective) brother, Benny (Aidan Quinn). 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, silent film-obsessed Sam (Johnny Depp) 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. |
You'll either find this so-so romantic fable a whimsical joy or annoyingly eccentric, as beguiling man-child Johnny Depp woos mentally unstable Mary Stuart Masterson, much to her brother Aidan Quinn's concern. It's one of those “lunatics are saner than the rest of us” polemics, admittedly heartfelt but, ultimately, too underwritten to put its message across properly. However, the performances do wonders in papering over the credibility gaps, and Depp's silent movie skills, much in evidence because his character is besotted with Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, are truly remarkable.