Dead Man | | Cast : | Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer | | Director : | Jim Jarmusch | | Studio : | Miramax Home Entertainment | | Format : | Black & White, Black & White, Closed-captioned, Widescreen | | Released Date : | May 10, 1996 | | DVD Released Date : | September 07, 2004 | | Language : | English (Dubbed), English (Original Language), French (Subtitled) | | Audience Rating : | R (Restricted) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | August 07, 2005 | | Summary | subtle but not certain | Content
 | Good flick, bringing back western movies, but it pretty much just made fun of the era which isnt a bad thing, but for this movie it didn't mix. His Indian pal puts all the real humor in it. He gives Depp wisdom then helps him go on a killing spree. |
| Rating | | | Date | August 05, 2005 | | Summary | Divisive | Content
| Dead Man is one of my all-time favorite movies. That is not to say I think it is one of the greatest movies ever made, but for me it is timeless and I love it. There is not much I can say that isn't out there already (ie. the bold imagery, the sweeping black/white cinematography, the mystical overtones or dream-like consciousness, the coolness of Johnny Depp, the power of Robert Mitchum, the aloofness of Gary Farmer, and the poweful background provided by Neil Young), but I can't help but be intrigued by the polarizing effect this film has on it's viewers.
I'm not surprised by Keogh's negative analysis (one shared by Roger Ebert- a man who's insight and opinions I respect, but who is by no means my authority, for no such authority exists when it comes to art, except the eye of the beholder). Like Big Dog from Cleveland, I'm more apt to vehemently argue against those "commercially influenced" viewers, who can't or won't see beneath the surface and who refuse to seek out their art and instead accept only that which is fed to them. However, that is not why I'm writing this. At least Keogh and Ebert watched the film. The same cannot be said for those who let reviews dictate whether or not they watch a movie. If you are one of those people, I write to urge you to stop being one of those people, watch Dead Man and form your own opinion. I'm not saying you shouldn't read the reviews before or after viewing it, just as long as you view it. Only then will you know which side you are on. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 28, 2005 | | Summary | My favorite movie!!! | Content
| Quite simply,the best Jarmusch has ever put out.This has been my favorite movie since the day I saw it. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 14, 2005 | | Summary | More like 3 and 1/2 | Content
| I liked the movie somewhat, but it seems to me that it could not decide weather it wanted to be a comedy, a tragedy or some kind of tribute to Stanley Kubrick. Some parts were incredibly funny, others just made absolutely no sense at all. If SOME of the melodramatic moments were taken out it would have been fine. I think everything was overplayed just a little bit. For example the "got any tobacco" line really got old quick. Other gags got old quick to like the guy who just talked all the time. In the end there is no real resolution and the viewing audience is just left hanging.
Overall-Not horrible just a little to introspective for my tastes. It was like everyone associated with the project had a clear eye on what they wanted the movie to say in the beginning and then they just forgot about it.
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| Rating | | | Date | July 13, 2005 | | Summary | A Western That Defies The Stereotype | Content
| The fine art in film is almost nonexistant in these times, but Dead Man is truly an exception. I saw it recently for about the ninth or tenth time (and I'm not one to view a film more than once) and still saw things I hadn't before. It's suprisingly multi-layered and innovative - filmed in black and white with lighting that mysteriously fades in and out. I'm not sure why Jim Jarmusch chose to incorporate this effect, but it could be to emphasize scenes or parts of scenes in the film not unlike the dramatic lighting of silent films. Johnny Depp as William Blake seems to be aware of this silent film quality as his acting is more about body language - a glance, a stare, a studied gaze than dialogue. There is a pulp fiction feel to it as well as can especially be seen in the scene with Iggy Popp and Billy Bob Thorton.
The soundtrack is beautifully dark and compliments the plot thanks to Neil Young's understated guitar playing. Dead Man is a movie that surpasses any mainstream mediocrity and defies any stereotypes of Westerns by far. Not for movie-goers who embrace the cliche that Hollywood is unfortunately so good at rehashing, but is a film for those who appreciate great art. I haven't seen a Western this great and unique since Clint Eastwood's High Plains Drifter. A masterpiece!
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