Julien Donkey Boy Details

It could dive you mental

This film offers a great performance from Ewen Bremner, in a role that is tailored to his particular genius as an actor. He plays Julian, a schizophrenic young man who is based on the directors own uncle. The film at first does not seem to offer an obvious narrative; instead it spends much of the time mapping out the complexities of each of the characters. Where this film also excels and what I think really makes this film work is the cinematography. Often the camera work seems as crazy and playful as Julian?s mind and you really feel as though the film makers enjoyed themselves experimenting and trying to push this art-form. For me this is a great film and if you like to see something just that little bit different then I would say go for it.

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[Highly rated reviewer]

a darkly comic/tragic wonder

Ewen Bremner, under the scrutiny of some claustrophobic handheld camerawork, gives an extraordinary performance as the schizophrenic 'Julien' of the title in Harmony Korine's second film as director.

As with 'Gummo' before this, many critics have misinterpreted the dark, dark humour at work here as simple shock tactics. And sure, I think that the initial reaction of any viewer is likely to be just that - shock. However, once you can get past all the prejudices and taboos that are violently broken by this film, it seems to be something of a masterpiece.

The prime cause, I think, of much of the film's shock value is simply its style. To say that it looks gritty and documentary-esque would be an understatement. Shot handheld on the semi-professional Canon XL-1 (MiniDV camera), then blown up to 16mm before 35mm, the image is degraded even far beyond that of David Lynch's recent 'Inland Empire' [Still, there are some uniquely beautiful images in the film, particularly in the innovatively stylised colour compositions which strangely serve to highlight the naturalistic tone]. And it is this naturalism which makes it difficult to laugh at some of the surreal, dark humour: the reactions of passengers when Julien carries a dead foetus on a bus, for example, almost has the psychotic look of CCTV footage.

I do not, though, want to deny that there is a harsh but poignant sadness that lies beneath this humour. And some scenes, particularly Pearl's dangerous pregnant ice skating have an unbearable tension to them.

Director Werner Herzog, a clear influence on Harmony Korine, is also a disturbing and powerful presence as Julien’s father.

As for audience appeal, this is probably purely arthouse for now, though I would encourage anyone open to a strange and unique experience to give it some time.

'Julien Donkey-Boy' is a truly unique document of humanity and in years to come I think that Korine will be recognised as one the most innovative and brilliant directors to have emerged in our time.