Rather Impressive Directorial Debut!

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2014)

Don Jon, the directorial debut of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is a rather impressive look on the issue of porn and how it can destroy (or even create) relationships. The movie does have a few flaws whether it was the unlikable main character or how the movie feels repetitive at times, but on the whole it was a good film with good themes. The movie is not just about porn, but it is about sensitivity, addiction, and finding love.
Levitt's film is about a man named Jon Martello who has a rather unhealthy appetite for porn. He lives life to a very strict routine whether that is going to church, being with his family, or just watching porn. But when he meets the most beautiful girl in the world named Barbara, his private world and public world are bound to collide.
The acting is pretty impressive. Levitt holds his own as Jon, but did I ever find his character repugnant and plain unlikeable, perhaps even narcissistic at times. But maybe that was the point. Scarlett Johannsson is just a film goddess and her beauty still shines like an angel in the film, but her acting skills are just as impressive. Julianne Moore does a good job as Jon's college friend. Finally, I have to give props to Brie Larson. She is mute for most of the film, but when she finally says something, that is the best moment of the film.
Overall, Don Jon was an interesting movie to watch. I'm surprised it did not receive an NC-17 rating especially how the movie is very sexually explicit. While it may be about a porn addiction on the outside, the deeper theme is about finding love. The movie is meant to be a comedy, but I viewed it more as a drama. I did chuckle a few times though. I liked how they spoof New Jersey accents and our driving skills. As a resident of NJ, I found this to be accurate. But all things said, the film is a nice directorial debut for Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I rate this film 8/10.