Johnny Suede
"Pitt is a sensation" -Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
This stylish, award-winning debut from writer-director Tom DiCillo (Living in Oblivion) is one of the coolest comedies of the 90's, achieving instant cult status on its release.
Brad Pitt is Johnny Suede, an innocent dreamer with plenty of attitude desperate for a singing career like his idol Ricky Nelson. But Johnny's fantasy soon begins to crumble as he learns the harsh realities of life from arrogant rock star Freak Storm (a hilarious cameo from Nick Cave) and Yvonne (Catherine Keener), a down-to-earth teacher who opens his eyes to a world beyond his gravity-defying quiff and cherished black suede shoes.
Member Reviews
A young Brad Pitt shows his skills - Rocky_Al
The totally clueless Johnny, who imagines a pair of black suede shoes will walk him on his way to stardom as a rock guitarist is masterly portrayed by a young Brad Pitt.
Whatever little the shoes may do for his artistic career, it gets him into the beds of a succesion of the young women, who soon discover his zombie-like emotional immaturity.
The thing that amazes me is its 18+ Restricted rating. Whoever applied it should take a fresh look with the 21st Century in mind. There is more and worse violence on TV and none of the sex in the film is explicit.
On the contrary, this film can almost be regarded as proper educational material for easily impressable girls who swoon over entertainment figures. I think it is too close to reality to be labelled a comedy, but as a satire it works well. It received some rave reviews when it came out, but seems since to have been forgotten.
Pitt's performance is star quality and his rock-scene friends make an interesting back-drop of characters. See it!
Member Reviews
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A young Brad Pitt shows his skills - Rocky_Al
The totally clueless Johnny, who imagines a pair of black suede shoes will walk him on his way to stardom as a rock guitarist is masterly portrayed by a young Brad Pitt.
Whatever little the shoes may do for his artistic career, it gets him into the beds ...