Mickey Rourke has to be one of the greatest, yet most under-rated,
American actors alive today. This film proves it. He plays this
character with layers and a depth few could accomplish or would
even dare. Unfortunately, most people regard his personal life
(and abrasive personality itself) with such disdain that they refuse
to fairly judge his professional accomplishments.
Rourke plays a grotesquely facially disfigured man who's life of
ridicule, non-existent home-life, and resultant self-guilt have led
him to a life of crime. Nothing original there, I'll admit. But one
must watch Rourke's subtle portrayal to see not a man of rage, as
most actors would give, and be expected of, from the audience, but
a man quietly locked into his world of pain. The way he holds his
cigarette from the top, so as to cover part of his face; the downward
tilt of his head, eyes averted from anyone's gaze; or the curt, quiet
speaking so as not to draw too much attention. The example of
speech is in itself remarkable. Not only does Rourke affect a
severe speech impediment as the disfigured Johnny Handsome,
but he then takes on a new one as a man who is now capable of
proper diction, but who is completely unused to being able to
speak properly. And he is constant in his portrayal throughout.
The story is simple but good, driven with excellent visual editing,
and a wonderful sound track (provided by Ry Cooder), that really
sets the pacing. The cast is largely wonderful, as well, with quite a
few recognizable "stars". Forest Whitaker as the sympathetic but
driven and demanding doctor, Lance Henrikson and Ellen Barkin
in amazing performances as two completely greedy "scum-bags",
and Morgan Freeman, in a real role reversal, as a rotten, taunting
parole officer. Probably the only weak link in the cast is Elizabeth
McGovern, who's attempted Louisiana accent never holds up and
over-all acting just suffices.
This film remains a favorite of mine that I watch every now and
again, always enjoying it both for the excitingly building tension of
the story, and the great performances (and performers) littered
throughout the film. If you like this film, I also suggest "The
Elephant Man", by David Lynch (for the life-with-disfigurement
aspects), or "The Warriors", by Walter Hill, as a great, early
example of this same director's work.
8/10 Mickey Rourke at his best!
