Johnny Handsome (1989)
Director: Walter Hill
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Ellen Barkin, Lance Henriksen, Morgan Freeman
Primary genre: Neo noir
Secondary genre: Crime
Third genre: Thriller
Based on John Godey’s novel The Three Worlds of Johnny Handsome, Walter Hill’s (Southern Comfort (1981), 48 Hrs (1982)) flick seeks to tackle several genres in a limited amount of time. Ranging from one’s search of identity (due to a new face) to two interconnected tales of revenge and romance, Johnny Handsome might have all the necessary ingredients for an interesting story but the whole thing does not come together as nicely as Hill thinks.
Ken Friedman’s unfocused screenplay tries too hard to keep our attention on the screen as if it lacks the conviction to tell a simple but effective story. When we are keen to see Johnny extract his vengeance against Barkin’s and Henriksen’s despicable villains, the movie presses the brakes by focusing on a romance with Donna, a well-mannered woman with whom our protagonist falls in love. Simultaneously, we have in the background a law enforcement officer suspecting Johnny’s misgivings (Morgan Freeman) while the good-hearted doctor in the first half (Forest Whitaker) disappears from the proceedings completely and any chance our ex-disfigured hero has to explore the world with his new face, well, that is for a different film altogether.
“You got a real nice face now don’t you, Johnny? But I think I liked it better the old way. Yeah, and I think I can help you get it back.”
Johnny himself is an engaging character mainly due to Mickey Rourke’s superb acting (a severely underrated actor who decided early on his career to take heavy roles instead of capitalizing on his good looks). There is a remarkable scene when the hero sees his new face for the first time and for that moment alone, he should have been nominated for an Oscar; the gifted actor sells his disbelief simply with a quiet stare reflective of his unbelievable physical redemption. Hill knows this and decides to center the movie around Rourke’s magnificent performance which is the only reason to float this film as a recommendation to someone.
It is a shame then we are left with nothing dramatically substantial. Just like its protagonist, the story does not go anywhere and Johnny’s plan of revenge is cinematically underwhelming at best. Characters come only when it is required of them to do so bearing minimal growth. This is especially true of the female roles, which - despite strong performances (Ellen Barkin clearly enjoys herself) - remain one-dimensional, constantly seeking validation from their male partners while displaying zero agency (particularly Donna).
With its intriguing premise, atmospheric New Orleans setting, Hill’s aggressive direction, and Ry Cooder’s excellent score, Johnny Handsome ultimately amounts to little more than a showcase for Rourke’s exceptional talent and a solid supporting cast.
Adequate neo-noir
+Rourke is exceptional
+Great cast
+Atmospheric setting
+Intriguing premise
-Too many elements with not enough screentime
-One dimensional supporting cast