Don Jon: A Critical Analysis of the Movie

Introduction

“Don Jon” is a 2013 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film stars Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, and Julianne Moore, and follows the story of a young man named Jon Martello Jr. (played by Gordon-Levitt) who is addicted to pornography and struggles to form meaningful relationships. In this article, we will provide a critical analysis of the movie, exploring its themes, character development, and cinematography.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the life of Jon Martello Jr., a young man from New Jersey who is obsessed with his physical appearance, his car, and his ability to pick up women at nightclubs. However, Jon has a dark secret: he is addicted to pornography and spends most of his free time watching it. Despite his promiscuous lifestyle, Jon struggles to form real connections with women.

One night, Jon meets Barbara (played by Johansson), a beautiful woman who he becomes infatuated with. He starts dating her, but their relationship is complicated by their differing expectations. Barbara wants a romantic, old-fashioned relationship, while Jon is only interested in sex. Meanwhile, Jon attends a night course at a local college, where he meets Esther (played by Moore), an older woman who is also struggling with intimacy issues.

Themes

The central theme of “Don Jon” is addiction, specifically Jon’s addiction to pornography. The movie portrays the damaging effects of addiction on relationships and self-worth, as well as the difficulties of breaking free from addictive behaviors. The film also explores the themes of identity, gender roles, and the expectations we place on ourselves and others in relationships.

Character Development

The character development in “Don Jon” is subtle, but significant. At the beginning of the film, Jon is presented as a shallow, selfish person who objectifies women and is disconnected from his emotions. However, as the movie progresses, we see Jon start to question his behavior and desires. He starts to see the negative impact that his addiction to pornography has on his life, and he begins to make changes.

Similarly, Barbara and Esther are also complex characters with their own emotional struggles. Barbara is initially presented as a confident, assertive woman, but as the movie progresses, we see her insecurities and vulnerabilities. Esther, on the other hand, is a more enigmatic character, but her interactions with Jon reveal her own emotional wounds and her fear of intimacy.

Cinematography

The cinematography in “Don Jon” is one of its strengths. The movie features a lot of quick cuts and montages, which give it a fast-paced, energetic feel. The use of bright colors and flashy graphics also contributes to the movie’s aesthetic. However, the film also uses more contemplative shots and quieter moments to reflect on the emotional state of the characters.

Conclusion

Overall, “Don Jon” is a thought-provoking movie that addresses important themes of addiction, relationships, and identity. The character development is subtle but powerful, and the cinematography is dynamic and engaging. While the movie may not be for everyone, it is a worthwhile exploration of the complexities of human connection and the challenges of overcoming addiction.