Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
John Arnold DeMarco is a man who believes he is Don Juan, the greatest lover in the world. Clad in a cape and mask, DeMarco undergoes psychiatric treatment with Dr. Jack Mickler to cure him of his apparent delusion. But the psychiatric sessions have an unexpected effect on the psychiatric staff and, most profoundly, Dr Mickler, who rekindles the romance in his complacent marriage.
Don Juan DeMarco is a warmly eccentric romantic comedy-drama buoyed by an unusual premise and a charming central performance from Johnny Depp. The plot is pleasant and gently whimsical but fairly slight, relying heavily on the romantic fantasy framing device without digging too deep. Depp's commitment to the character is delightful, Brando brings effortless gravitas even in a late-career role, and Faye Dunaway is serviceable, though the acting overall doesn't transcend. Cinematography is functional at best — competent but unremarkable, with little visual distinction. The film's novelty lies in its romantic idealism and the appealing conceit of a man who fully inhabits a romantic legend, which gives it a distinctive tone, though the execution is more charming than truly original. The ending wraps things up in a satisfying but predictable way, consistent with the film's gentle, feel-good spirit.