it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

JOHNNY SUEDE is a very early role for Brad Pitt (he had just finished THELMA AND LOUSIE). yet he delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as a clueless and childlike hipster. Many films of this nature boast a character who is in love with his own hipness, and delights in educating his contemporaries to this fact. Nothing can be farther from this than Pitt's take on Johnny. His reading of the character is so hesitant and tentative, as to be almost "challenged". Catherine Keener's character (who is introduced much too late in the film) becomes the driving force in the film, and attempts to show this carefully coiffed dandy what it might mean to be a man. A proper release of the film was held up because backers weren't sure his performance would connect with fans who were expecting a more polished Hollywood Heart Throb. Quirky and Mind-bending indeed. Excellent Commentary by Tom DiCillo.

This movie was a delightful find one late night on cable. I've since purchased the movie on DVD, which includes an extra scene with Johnny and "Freak Storm" played by Nick Cave. For Brad Pitt Fanatics, this movie is a must-see as he plays quite the unique role in this one.Johnny can't find "it". Everyone else has "it" and he knows "it" must be out there. This is the story about what happens when "it" finds him. The viewer is left to decide what "it" is.Probably best labeled a romantic comedy, there's a good dose of tongue-in-cheek humor in both the plot as well as the imagery. Camera work is simple, but there are tons of bleak scenes captured which seem to summarize the life of the lead character. There's a ton of symbolism in the movie as well for those who like a more artistic twist in movies.If you like movies that are a little "off", a little strange, a little odd, you'll probably like this one. If you're looking for high-budget production, fast action, laugh-out-loud fun, this isn't for you.

Big hair-pieced Brad Pitt (as Johnny Suede) moves to a large American city, from North Dakota; he wants to become a Big pop music star. He has everything except "Black Suede Shoes". One evening, he discovers a woman being roughed up in an alley/alcove. While in a nearby phone booth, calling for help, Pitt is practically hit over the head with his blessed "Black Suede Shoes". Then, he feels he is on his way. Pitt is hampered by an underwhelming singing voice, and poor material; but, due to his muscular good looks, he is successful with women. Pitt has several sexy underwear scenes; and, he slips under the sheets with quirky Catherine Keener (as Yvonne) and alluring Alison Moir (as Darlette). Pitt idolizes Ricky Nelson (who certainly would have gotten a *kick* out of this movie). For the record, the most frequently played song, Rick Nelson's "Teen Age Idol" could not have been turned over to play "Travelin' Man", as Pitt does in an effective scene with Ms. Moir. The two Nelson hits were on different Imperial singles. The record album hanging on Pitt's apartment wall is the excellent "Ricky Sings Again" album. "Midtown" is the best of the "original" tunes; it has some of the breezy feel evident in Nelson's early Decca material. Moir, Ms. Keener, and Calvin Levels (as Deke) perform very well. Keener won an "Independent Spirit Award"; but, Moir and Mr. Leeds are also very impressive. Tempting Tina Louise (as Mrs. Fontaine), from "Gilligan's Island", has a leggy cameo; and, Nick Cave is a "Freak Storm". Debuting director Tom DiCillo's "Johnny Suede" is filled with style and good intentions. ****** Johnny Suede (1991) Tom DiCillo ~ Brad Pitt, Catherine Keener, Calvin Levels

Firstly can I just say that the acting in this film is dire, even Keener and Pitt act like planks of wood on screen. There is no feeling between the characters and they have a habit of standing completely still on the spot and it just looks uncomfortable. The synopsis is misleading as there isn't much music in the film but there is a startling cameo from Nick Cave, obviously under the influence whilst filming! There is even a parody of a Cave song, that Pitt sings later in the film. The original stage performance of this must have been a sight! A very thin looking Samuel L Jackson has a small role as a double bass player named 'Be Bop' who later goes to work on a cruise ship - his 2 minutes are priceless. The film is dotted with David Lynch inspired dream sequences which include windows smashing, naked men at bars and copious bleeding. The film even opens with a suitcase falling on a telephone box, opening to reveal a pair of suede shoes. Seeing really is believing, go and watch this film!