Julien Donkey-Boy (1999)

A portrait of the effects of schizophrenia on family life is the central focus.

Stars:

Ewen Bremner, Brian Fisk, Chloë Sevigny

3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ewen Bremner	...	Julien
Brian Fisk	...	Pond Boy
Chloë Sevigny	...	Pearl (as Chloe Sevigny)
Werner Herzog	...	Father
Joyce Korine	...	Grandma
Evan Neumann	...	Chris
Miriam Martínez	...	Teenage Girl (as Miriam Martinez)
Edgar Erikkson	...	Bearded Man
James Moix	...	Dancing Man
Victor Varnado	...	Rapper
Oliver A. Bueno	...	Bowler
Roger Harris	...	Bowler
Josseph Padilla	...	Bowler
Olivia Pérez	...	Bowler (as Olivia Perez)
Freddie Perez	...	Bowler

Storyline

"O, mio babbino caro" plays as a woman skates gracefully. In contrast, little is graceful and daddy is not dear in Julien's world. His father listens to blues wearing a gas mask; dad prods, lectures, and derides Julien as well as Julien's brother and pregnant sister, while grandma attends to her dog. Julien is different, schizophrenic. He wears gold teeth. He bowls, sings, worships, and chats with a group of young adults with disabilities. His sister's child is probably his own. He talks on the phone, imagining it's his mother, who died in childbirth years before. He may be a murderer of children. From his point of view (perhaps), the film follows this odd family for a few weeks.

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Plot Keywords:

schizophrenic | dog | teeth | childbirth | gas mask | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some sexuality and disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 September 2000 (France)

Also Known As:

Dogme # 6 - Julien Donkey-Boy

Filming Locations:

Yonkers, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$11,845 (USA) (8 October 1999)

Gross:

$80,226 (USA) (5 November 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

391 Productions, Forensic Films, Independent Pictures (III)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Macaulay Culkin, who earlier worked with Harmony Korine on the video for Sonic Youth's "Sunday", turned down a role in the film because he wasn't ready to start acting again.

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Quotes

Julien: Cursed be he who puts an obstacle in the path of a blind man.

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Connections

Spoofs Gummo (1997)

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Soundtracks

"Frère Jacques"
Traditional

User Reviews

NOT a mainstream film, but Very Interesting

I wasn't sure how this film was going to appear when I finally saw it. I felt "gummo" was a great film, and didn't see exactly how this was going to compare. "Julien" actually seemed to surpass in reality. It was in no way a mainstream film, but on the other hand, it was not too "artsy" to be understandable. It kept my attention the entire time. I was intrigued not only by the film techniques but by the story it told. The characters were outstanding considering nothing was scripted. I thought the end of the film was very offensive when watching it, but thinking back on it now, it was handled very well and the movie was telling a story. All actors were very believable, and Svengy did a magnificent job. I think my favorite part in the film was the scene in the thrift store. I was also very happy to notice Will Oldham in the party scene and then see a thank you to him in the credits. If "gummo" intrigued you, this film will also.