The latest actor-turned-director, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has created a film that really should not work as well as it does. Don Jon feels like a debut film in some ways, but, perhaps because of Gordon-Levitt’s vast indie film background, ultimately feels assured in every aspect.
With perfect pacing, charming performances, and surprisingly relevant themes (given the subject matter), Don Jon is the work of someone who has clearly been around the block.
The reason this film is so surprisingly deep is mainly due to the narrative, which follows Jon (Gordon-Levitt) as he tries to find that special someone. The problem Jon faces however, is his addiction to pornography, and his need to feel reality through seeing other people having sex.
Part of what makes Don Jon so good is its portrayal of the fantastical, one-sided world of pornography: for Jon, it is more enticing than a human relationship, causing him to never be fully satisfied. The ability to take a subject like porn addiction and pull something strangely life-affirming out of it — while remaining stylish and humorous — is difficult to pull off.
The film successfully balances the right amount of humour and drama. Gordon-Levitt’s hyperbolic portrayal of the “guido” stereotype, made famous on the television series Jersey Shore, is just one of the many ways in which he takes the film to comedic heights. He loves his family, his car, his home, his friends, his church, his ladies, and his porn; these elements of Jon’s life all intersect with one another, creating an engaging character arc.
The movie isn’t too serious, but it also isn’t too light-hearted. Some may dislike the Julianne Moore section of the film, which goes for a more emotional punch than the previous acts, but it is extremely pivotal to Jon’s character development.
The score, composed by Nathan Johnson, who has worked on previous Gordon-Levitt productions such as Looper and Brick, is exceptional. It ranges from electronic-heavy and sporadic, to slow transitions and classic romantic comedy cues. In fact, every technical aspect of the film is exceptional, including the editing.
If you’re looking for a good date movie, Don Jon might be it, but even those who just want a good film will find plenty to enjoy. Anchored by a great cast of charismatic actors — Scarlett Johansson among them — Don Jon is more than just a fluffy comedy about porn addiction. It’s about compromise, and understanding that a relationship is not just about making yourself happy.
