Benny und Joon (1993)

Benny und Joon: Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. With Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn, Julianne Moore. A mentally ill young woman finds her love in an eccentric man who models himself after Buster Keaton.

“I have to say that I think Benny u0026amp; Joon may be one of my favorite Johnny Depp films, along with Edward Scissorhands and Cry Baby. Unfortunately, you donu0026#39;t hear too many people talk about Bu0026amp;J the way they do Johnnyu0026#39;s more high profile films, like Pirates of the Caribbean. This film is wonderful because it manages to tell the story of two mentally ill characters and never make them helpless victims. Instead, at their worst theyu0026#39;re merely troubled and interesting characters, and at their best theyu0026#39;re absolutely charming and heartwarming. Of course, Depp shines with his spot-on Chaplin impressions, and Masterson and Quinn are in top form as well. The real miracle of this film is that it is able to tell a story laced with realism through a whimsical lens, and it walks the tightrope of making one feel good without blatant reassurance. You believe Benny and Joon love one another without a gratuitous sex scene, (only a beautifully sensual one), and the viewer subsequently falls in love with everyone because this is a fine example of the way characters should be developed. Bravo to all involved!”