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Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer, Gabriel Byrne

Jim Jarmusch takes his quirky, uniquely modern sensibilities back in time, with this western black comedy about a city slicker turned gunfighter, on the run with an enigmatic Indian buddy in the North...( read more  read more... )west wilderness.

Flixster Users

87% liked it

47,313 ratings

Critics

71% liked it

31 critics

R, 2 hrs. 1 min.

Directed by: Jim Jarmusch

Release Date: May 26, 1995

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DVD Release Date: July 3, 2001

Stats: 3,268 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (3,268)

  • djdemersseman
    November 5, 2008
    djdemersseman
    Nice little dark comedy with good cameos a la Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina.
  • emerson17
    July 19, 2008
    emerson17
    Neil Young's soundtrack plays a big part in this gothic, haunted masterpiece.
  • kenstachnik
    June 16, 2008
    kenstachnik
    An amazing cast brings this lyrical "western" to life. A poetic cousin to TAOJJBTCRF and Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid
  • PvtCaboose91
    April 22, 2008
    PvtCaboose91
    "The eagle never lost so much time as when he submitted to learn from the crow."


    Dead Man is definitely not a film for all tastes. This stylish production is sometimes difficult to watch due to the grainy black and white imagery, not to mention some of the har

    ...( read more)sh images of violence and even cannibalism.

    Certainly not your average western, we follow a young accountant from Cleveland named William Blake (Depp) who takes the train into a town for an accounting position. Coming into town dressed in a smart suit and carrying a briefcase, he is the odd one out among the murderers and outlaws. But he is informed that he is too late for the job despite pouring every cent he had into coming to the town. After a number of mishaps, William begins to undergo a massive physical, mental and spiritual journey.

    William is a young man looking for a steady job, and ends up taking a tragic descent into personal oblivion as he transforms into a wanted outlaw being hunted by numbers of bounty hunters.

    To assist in his spiritual journey, William is accompanied by an Indian named "Nobody" (Farmer) who is rich in the ways of his tribe and ancestors. The transformation from meek accountant to hunted outlaw is emphasized by the weight of the wounds William carries, both physically and spiritually. His world becomes increasingly distant and he becomes ever more reliant on his Indian companion.

    Dead Man is told with very alluring, unique cinematography and a very certain style. The director's prominent use of fades to cut shots together works exceptionally.

    The film is also very ambiguous, told with deliberately slow pacing and performances that wouldn't normally grasp one with a short attention span. This style will not be embraced by modern audiences who crave fast-paced action, but the film will be adored by those who love art house cinema.

    The director, Jim Jarmusch, struck massive success with the movie. He was finally discovered with the release of this movie, mainly due to the lead role being portrayed by Johnny Depp.

    Depp's performance is sublime. He is able to let the audience empathize with his situation while never looking entirely vulnerable to his surroundings. The transformation of Depp's character was crucial for the success of the movie, and Depp played his role to perfection. If Depp isn't the greatest actor of all time, I don't know how to describe him.

    The musical score is good at times, and creates a very haunting atmosphere to compliment the already exceptional visual images. At a glance, many might see Dead Man as one to leave on the shelf. If you crave simple mindless garbage that Michael Bay rolls out, you are correct to leave it alone. But if you are looking for a multi-layered production rich in messages about life, then I suggest you pick this one up without hesitation. I couldn't recommend this any higher.
  • dooritor1
    April 20, 2008
    dooritor1
    Depp be best. Great movie.
  • Ijskoningin
    November 19, 2009
    Ijskoningin
    It's the best movie I've ever seen!!!!
  • soniachartray
    November 8, 2009
    soniachartray
    C'est vraiment un film inclassable.
  • mthomasjacobmorgan
    October 22, 2009
    mthomasjacobmorgan
    my favorite jarmusch film.
  • almalimon08
    October 22, 2009
    almalimon08
    It was a moving and well directed film!
  • jasontmartin3
    October 3, 2009
    jasontmartin3
    strange very odd but worth watching if you like depp

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Comments

  • aLiReZaSaFaVi
    April 5, 2008
    aLiReZaSaFaVi
    This is my favorite yet...
    best movie ever made.
  • futurestatic92
    January 8, 2007
    futurestatic92
    any one who likes this film obviously has brilliant taste this movie is a piece of art!
  • aharris0311
    June 3, 2006
    aharris0311
    I have to disagree with the official synopsis. This was a fantastic film with a taste of the Divine Comedy and an underlying humour that gives it unexpected laughs. The many cameos and historical setting makes this a film well-worth seeing!
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