Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut, Don Jon, demonstrates sparks of clever filmmaking. The film’s construction is deliberately repetitive, using recurring rituals (church, Sunday lunch, gym, jackin’ it to internet porn) that change to highlight the growth of its (unlikable) characters. It also mines humour from these subtle variations – generally at the expense of its Jersey-Shore-esque characters – and transforms tonally with a gradual decrease in the pace and editing rhythm of the film.
There’s a clear thesis here: to examine the modern patriarchal view of sex, relationships and the objectification of women (through the lens of internet porn, Carl’s Jr ads and sleazy clips from Wrong Turn 3). Don Jon wants you to laugh at its characters and then recognise their habits in yourself… but it’s far too obvious, continually breaking the show-don’t-tell rule with characters explaining exactly what the film’s about.
Julianne Moore is the clear highlight of the film, bringing real humanity and light to her role. Scarlett Johansson commits to a role that is too shallow to reward commitment, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s usual spark is smothered by his thick Jersey accent. As a director, he shows a lot of promise, but as a screenwriter he has room to improve.
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Agreed. On all counts. This movie, like its characters, is just too shallow to be memorable.
Yeah, it’s not a bad film but I just wish it was smarter. JGL comes across so intelligent in his interviews, so I was expecting a more insightful screenplay/first film from him.
That’s a very fair way of saying it.
I completely agree.
Still looking forward to seeing this one… but maybe it’s because I have been known to watch Jersey Shore…
I think you’ll still enjoy it! It’s not an unpleasant time at the cinema or anything, it just never displays any interest in looking under the surface or interrogating its themes (and it’s not enough of a comedy to forgive that). Thanks for the comment 🙂
Sorry – a couple of weeks behind on reading blogs so finally just reading this. Yep – I’d say we feel pretty much the same about this one. 🙂
Good to be on the same page 🙂
Pretty much my thoughts on this. Nice post Dave
Thanks Carl!
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