Benny & Joon

Plot synopsis:
As adults, Benjamin "Benny" Pearl (Aidan Quinn) and his mentally ill sister Juniper "Joon" Pearl (Mary Stuart Masterson), live together following the accidental death of their parents. Benny's friend Mike (Joe Grifasi) has his cinephile cousin Sam (Johnny Depp) staying with him. Joon joins a poker game at Mike's that Benny is unaware of, and loses a bet that commits Sam to live with the Pearls. Benny is at first outraged, but after an evening with Sam at the local diner and then coming home the next day to find Sam has cleaned the house, Benny decides Sam should be Joon's "housekeeper" since her other housekeepers had been scared away by Joon's outbursts.
Joon aids an illiterate Sam when he is struggling with writing to his mother, and the two go to the local diner where Ruthie (Julianne Moore) is working. She takes them on an errand, and then takes them home. After Ruthie stays for dinner, her car won't start, and Benny drives her home, where they set a dinner date. Meanwhile, left alone, Joon and Sam kiss. Benny and Ruthie have a fun date, but it ends abruptly because Benny wants to get home to Joon. Sam goes to a video store to try and apply for a job there. Benny, Joon and Sam go to a park where Sam starts doing Keatonesque tricks with his hat, attracting an appreciative crowd. Benny stays at the park to reflect and sends Joon home with Sam, where they make love. Sam then tells Joon he loves her which Joon reciprocates.
Benny tries to persuade Sam that he could do more with his life than be Joon's housekeeper and persuades a buddy to let Sam audition. When Benny makes suggestions to Sam about his comedy routines, Joon becomes agitated and makes Sam explain that he and Joon are romantically involved. An angry Benny throws Sam out of the house, yells at Joon, and shows her a pamphlet about a group home that Dr. Garvey (C.C.H. Pounder) thinks would be a better home for her. Joon starts hitting Benny and screaming "I hate you!", and he pushes her away. Feeling bad, Benny leaves to get her some tapioca. While Benny is away, Sam arrives. They pack suitcases and get on a bus, but Joon soon begins to hear voices in her head and argues with them, in great distress. Sam tries to soothe her, but she continues to become more agitated. The bus is stopped, and two men with the ambulance service restrain Joon. When Benny arrives at the hospital, Dr. Garvey tells him Joon doesn't want to see him. He finds Sam in the waiting room, and they argue. Sam who told Benny that he became a different person, goes to stay with Ruthie, who is an apartment manager. At that point, Benny begins to feel guilty about his treatment towards Joon.
Benny discovers Sam, now working at the video store and asks for his help. They go to the hospital. Benny apologizes to Joon for his behavior and persuades her to consider getting her own apartment and convinces her that Sam has come back for her. While being interviewed by Dr. Garvey, Joon sees Sam swinging on a platform outside her window and waving, and she states that she would like to try living in her own apartment. Dr. Garvey agrees to try out her choice. Benny and Joon reconcile, and Sam and Joon are reunited upon her release. At the end, Benny brings roses to Ruthie. He takes another bouquet upstairs to Joon's apartment but smiles and leaves the flowers in the doorway when he discovers Sam and Joon together contentedly making grilled cheese sandwiches with a clothes iron.

Tags: comedy, whimsical, dramatic, psychedelic, romantic, entertaining

Review:
Now I own it and have watched it more times than I can remember.I have heard that this movie caught a lot of flak about not being "realistic" about mental illness, and not providing a diagnosis for Joon, etc.
There was no theme of "being institutionalised forever" and there was no unrealistic expectation of a "cure".The character of Sam put it best when he said "Aside from being a little mentally ill, she's pretty normal."  I think that's the best quote I've heard in a movie, on that particular topic.I also think there is a reason for there being no stated diagnosis of Joon.
He longs to be free to have other relationships, but is wracked by guilt at the idea of leaving Joon in anyone else's care.Joon is an artist and is also mentally ill, a schizophrenic who has good and bad days and who depends on Benny to provide routine in her life.
Sam is undereducated, partially illiterate but a comedic genius who studies Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, knows catalogs of old movies, and has perfected the art form (kudos to Depp for the grace and conviction of this part of his performance).
In a particularly revealing scene, he asks Benny, as one man to another, "How sick is she?" We know he is wrestling with his feelings for her, but Benny does not, and his offhanded answer comes across as callous and almost mocking.While the handling of Sam and Joon's budding relationship may seem trite, and the humor applied to Joon's illness might seem cruel, in my experience the people who make those judgments know little about living day to day with a mentally ill - not to be confused with unintelligent - human being.
I have to say that I think Benny & Joon may be one of my favorite Johnny Depp films, along with Edward Scissorhands and Cry Baby.
I don't know much about Depp, what I've heard he is a somewhat weird character, but if you look at what he's done - Scissorhands and this movie as two examples - you have to wonder if you're not looking at one of the truly great actors of the day.
But moviegoers might remember this essentially 'feel good' movie as only another incredible Johnny Depp performance..
It is a classic love story between two lovable, quirky characters Sam and Joon.
The quirkiness of their characters complement each other while Aidan Quinn's portrayal of Benny keeps the story down to earth with his sensibility that contrasts Sam and Joon's eccentricity.
It's one of my all-time favorites.This movie deals honestly and caringly with Benny (Aidan Quinn), his mentally ill sister Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson), and Sam (Depp), who comes unexpectedly into their lives.
It is at once laugh-out-loud funny, honest, and touching.I've always appreciated that Joon's character is treated as (as Sam says) a person who is normal, "except for her mental illness." The situations are just a tad this side of wacky, but they feel very real.Seriously, if you haven't seen this movie, watch it.
Masterson's Joon is an awfully sad character that I really felt bad for, so was Depp's Sam, but they worked so well together, and had so many wonderful moments that made this film work.
Sam is a great example of Johnny Depp and his weird, crazy, off-beat kind of characters, and personally one of my favorites.
You can also see some good performances from Aidan Quinn and Oliver Platt.Other than Johnny Depp's performance, the thing I liked best about the movie is the soundtrack.
Johnny Depp's character was a great tribute to the talents of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin on a subtle level and was enjoyable to watch.
It pulled no punches in displaying the difficulties that Joon faced in her mental illness and how this affected the people around her while still being an absolutely adorable movie about romance between two misfits.
This movie is not only funny and one of the best films ever but also is unique and has Johnny Depp in it.
Benny&Joon is a brother and sister played by Aidan Quinn and Mary Stuart Masterson.
Depp's character is Sam a man much influenced by Charlie Chaplin who comes into their lives and changes everything in this very gentle comedy.You have to give credit where it's due, Johnny Depp knew his talent, knew his worth, and was determined not to be pigeonholed as a teen idol that he was from his role in 21 Jump Street.
In fact only recently and I'm sure the money was too insanely good to turn down was he repeating parts as Captain Jack Sparrow.Benny is your average working man who has a garage and paints and repairs cars and he's concerned about his sister Joon who is mentally disturbed.
Anyway Quinn might just be able to get a life of his own now and fill it with Julianne Moore with whom he'd like to get something going with.The year before Benny&Joon came out, Robert Downey, Jr. did his most critically acclaimed role as Charlie Chaplin in the film Chaplin for which he won an Oscar nomination.
(Style) is probably the wrong word but anyway, the meaning behind that word that i am using is the innocence used in this film to triumph over the prejudice towards people who are not considered normal, in this case meaning Joon and Johnny depp's character in this film.
A highlight is his impersonation of some Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin routines.Frankly, I didn't care for the rest of the lead characters, those played by Aiden Quinn (too blasphemous) and Mary Stuart Masterson (nice at first, but then pouts all the time which gets tiresome).
The relationship between Joon and Depp's character is very sweet and brings the positive message to this movie.
Benny and Joon stars Mary Stuart Masterson, Johnny Depp and Aidan Quinn, and it's an okay movie, but the subject matter could have been a TV movie of the week just as easily as a silver screen release.
I Love Johnny Depp and he is so cute playing Sam, this is my Fav Movie EVER!
Johnny Depp was great in the film along with all the other characters.
He's not doing very good, and his friends (and Joon's psychiatrist) urge him to put Joon in a group home so he can take care of himself, but he is a very kind, empathetic man and so he doubts it.The roles are played by Mary Stuart Masterson and Aidan Quinn, and this, by itself, could've been the plot, but then the writer throws a fastball at us: at an unusual poker game Joon "wins" a friend's roommate/cousin.
The cousin is Sam (Johnny Depp) an illiterate, quiet young man who's main goal in life seems to be to live as Chaplin or Buster Keaton.
Joon falls in love with him, yes, but that alone doesn't save her, she needs her brother too, and the healing isn't completely done by the end of the film.Benny is pretty much the main character, and we see him as he reacts to the two kooks romance, and even has a romance of his own, with Ruthie (Julianne Moore) and ex-actress who is now a waitress at a nearby diner.But the movie is realistic (in a way, anyway) and all three of the main characters' lives have not been perfected by the end.
And it is fun to watch.The best scene of the movie comes around the middle, when Sam spontaneously breaks into a Chaplin/Keaton style act in the middle of a park while everyone stares in wonder (including the audience).
All three of the characters are lovable, even at their low points.The movie is a joy to watch, and its quirky comedy is fresh and fun, everyone who loves good films with big hearts should watch.7.5/10..
But what really gets me is the quirky characters and the depth caring that they have for each other.There's a lot of love in this movie.It's also got a great theme of overcoming obstacles and situations that can seem impossibly difficult.I've lost count how many times I've watched it.
The superb acting of Johnny Depp and Mary Stuart Masterson carry this movie all the way to the end.
I'd never seen it before and so sat down last night prepared for some light fluff.But, although the plot (mentally ill girl with overprotective brother who exist alone after the death of their parents) may seem familiar, the performances in this movie make it something truly special.Depp, Masterson, Quinn and Moore are perfectly cast and watching their relationships grow is a delight.There are very few movies that can make me laugh out loud when I'm by myself in my loungeroom but this one managed it several times.
He plays the eccentric character Sam who falls in love with a girl that has some mental disabilities Juniper "Joon" Pearl - it's a really nice love story.If you liked Depp in films like What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and Cry-Baby (1990) then there is a chance you will enjoy Benny & Joon (1993).7.5/10.
If you want a sweet, funny comedy when you just want to chill out, then "Benny and Joon" is the film for you.I figured since it was one of the few Johnny Depp films that i hadn't yet seen and thought that i should.
He seems to effortlessly make you love Sam, the slightly quirky cousin who you can't help but smile at and want to keep for yourself.I recommend this film to any Johnny Depp fan who hasn't seen his comic side, the man is a chameleon and also to any one who just needs something to put a smile on your face.This film has won a place in my heart..
The best part of the movie being the true randomness of Joon and Sams' conversations ranging from art and painting to the real story behind raisins.Amazingly funny and sincere Benny and Joon will capture your hearts as well as your imagination.
I thought that I had seen the best Johnny Depp movie ever when I saw "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" Then I sat down and watched "Benny and Joon." A stellar performance.
INto their lives breezes a full-on eccentric(Johnny Depp,by now fully on his way to the type of intense and remarkable performances he's now known for)named Sam who has been perfecting his reenacting of Buster Keaton routines to the point that it defines his persona.
As the lone parental unit in the relationship,the brother Benny has to learn to let go,both to his delicate sister Joon,and to his own insecurities.Delightful performances from Masterson(who sadly seems to have fewer roles sent her way anymore,it seems),Quinn,Depp,Julianne Moore(as Benny's potential love interest,and a 180 from her breakout role in "Hand that Rocks the Cradle"),DAn Hedaya and Oliver Platt(as Benny's coworker and pal) make this film easy to watch and re-watch.
Benny is late one evening so Joon plays and wins "Sam" (Johnny Depp) who has been staying with Grifasi and driving him crazy.
But beyond the story is Johnny Depp's magnificently entertaining performance of tender touches, wonderful facial expressions and brilliant Buster Keaton-like skits that put this movie into the category of one you want to own..
This movie is brilliant and I think the hard work and trouble that went into the making of this film has definitely paid off.Benny and Joon is the story of a mentally Ill young woman, Joon(Mary Stuart Masterson), and her brother, Benny(Aiden Quinn), who under unusual circumstances meet Sam(Johnny Depp) a quirky Buster Keaton-inspired misfit who has trouble with reading and Writing.
Johnny Depp is a perfect for the role of Sam and the story is one of utmost beauty and comical value.The movie is both funny and deep and includes cameos from Oliver Platt and Julianne Moore.
These people are severe cases....we are not all like that!...like Joon says "Don,t under-estimate the mentally ill....we can count!" I can really relate to this movie, and I do love Johnny Depp oh so much!
In this movie, Depp plays Sam, a free-spirited man who brings light where there is dark in Benny and Joon's small family.
Johnny Depp once again does an absolutely stunning performance in this movie, on the role as a sane but creative character who falls in love with a mentally ill woman.I just happened to be browsing movies on Netflix when I came across the movie.
Not necessarily in that order.Masterson and Quinn are both fine actors, and their performances here are excellent (one of Aidan Quinn's best, I think.)  But Johnny Depp is simply remarkable.
This is a great film with interesting (for a change) characters--Johnny Depp is especially charming as Sam.
Benny (Aidan Quinn) lives together with Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson), his sister, who is a lovely though very naive, mentally simple young woman.
He represents the `everything is possible` and gets through to her where others have failed.Watching Johnny Depp in a brilliant performance (Buster Keaton-like) was - for me - the main part in this film.
Mary Stuart Masterson is forgettable as the mentally ill sister, as is Julianne Moore as the love interest for Quinn.The movie's only saving grace (and indeed the reason I watched it) is Johnny Depp.
His performance steals the show, which makes one wonder why they titled the movie "Benny and Joon" since he plays neither of those characters.
In Benny & Joon he plays a young man of questionable mental health who is obsessed with the comedy of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.
Johnny Depp as Sam is utterly beguiling while Mary Stuart Masterton {Joon} is sweet and affecting in what is after all, the difficult role.
I saw this movie and fell in love with Johnny Depp's acting.
This is an odd, quirky film that boasts good performances from Johnny Depp and Mary Stuart Masterson.It's an interesting story about two oddballs finding each other, and learning more about the world around them through their connection, and it's well played by the stars.It's a little slow in places, and it's a shame some of the supporting cast aren't given more to do, but it's certainly a curious film worth watching..
Sam I liked the most not even because I like Johnny Depp, but because he's the most dramatic personality in all movie and he acts very natural.
A masterpiece which should be know all people who love watching very good movies.
Small town auto mechanic Benny Pearl (Aidan Quinn) dutifully takes care of his mentally ill sister Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson).
But it is really worth watching, as the story is beautiful and heartwarming; the music is lovely; Mary Stuart Masterson's, Johnny Depp's and Aidan Quinn's acting is brilliant; there are scenes that are unforgettable; sad, funny, extraordinary and touching moments; and this film makes you love mentally ill people.
But really, it's Johnny Depp who makes it a memorable film.The least interesting of the three main characters is the protagonist in this film, Aidan Quinn's Benny.
After her most recent caretaker quites, Benny finds himself forced to think about sending Joon to a living community, but plans are stalled when an unusual young man ends up in their lives.Sam (Depp) is an eccentric, a young man who models his behavior off silent film star Buster Keaton and performs various physical comedy gags both on purpose yet also intuitively.
We spend too much time watching Benny mishandle Joon as well as his personal life despite his good heart and best intentions.
Benny and Joon is one of those feel good movies driven solely on character development and good acting.
No matter what film Johnny Depp is in, he's always terrific in good character development even if the movie stinks.
In comes Sam, a kind, sweet and extremely eccentric man and both their lives are changed in ways they couldn't have ever imagined.To me 'Benny and Joon' is a great movie for lots of reasons.
In fact, every time I watch a movie, I compare it to Benny & Joon.
the connection between sam (johnny depp) and joon (masterson) make for a sweet and powerful love story.
Benny & Joon Is A Moving Sweet Love Story.
In fact, it is made clear that Depp's character "Sam" is obsessed with movies, and he is even seen studying a biography of Buster Keaton in the opening scenes.The film benefits from one of the most extraordinary cases of over-casting in recent memory.
This movie is all about loving each other and taking care of another person like Benny was trying to do for joon - I was trying to figure were his mind was at for majority of the film and I'm glad of the outcome because you could tell what his feelings toward Sam were overtime of the film.
Joon was very interesting herself - mentally ill yet so artistic seems only right her and a guy like BuStEr kEaToN ( Sam ) would have a connection.
Benny & Joon's actors also give a good performance I'm not sure how well Aiden and MsM ( Mary s masterson ) would / have done in other movies but in this one they do well and even better when in scenes with Depp.
This movie has an amazing three characters and actors -1= some what plays the straight man Benny who changes - 2 = mentally ill yet creative Joon and 3 = wonderful and different one of a kind Sam a guy like buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin ,soundtrack great and overall a happy movie with tons of laughs till the last scene.
I know that I have commented on Johnny Depp's versatility from Pirates to Sweeney Todd to Before Night falls, but I had my breath taken away from his role in this film.He was a sort of free spirit that came into the life of schizophrenic Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson), and transformed her with love.Until he arrived, her brother Benny (Aidan Quinn) ran her life for her.