Johnny Suede (1991)

A struggling young musician and devoted fan of Ricky Nelson wants to be just like his idol and become a rock star.

Director:

Tom DiCillo

Writer:

Tom DiCillo

Stars:

Brad Pitt, Richard Boes, Cheryl Costa

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brad Pitt	...	Johnny Suede
Richard Boes	...	Man in Tuxedo
Cheryl Costa	...	Woman in Alley
Michael Luciano	...	Mr. Clepp
Calvin Levels	...	Deke
Nick Cave	...	Freak Storm
Ralph Marrero	...	Bartender
Wilfredo Giovanni Clark	...	Slick
Alison Moir	...	Darlette
Peter McRobbie	...	Flip Doubt
Ron Vawter	...	Winston
Dennis Parlato	...	Dalton
Tina Louise	...	Mrs. Fontaine
Michael Mulheren	...	Fred Business
Wayne Maugans	...	Ned Business

Storyline

A struggling young musician and devoted fan of Ricky Nelson wants to be just like his idol and become a rock star.

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Plot Keywords:

bare chested male | male objectification | antihero | barbershop | cake | 

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Taglines:

Keeping up an image can be a full time job.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and elements of sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Writer and Director Tom DiCillo insisted on casting the relatively unknown Brad Pitt over the objections of the producer, who wanted him to consider Timothy Hutton. Ironically, DiCillo was ultimately dissatisfied with Pitt's portrayal of Johnny as being "slow" or "stupid" instead of just childish.

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Goofs

When Johnny takes the pistol cartridge out of the coffee cup and loads it into the revolver, you can see that the primer has a dent in it. This indicates that the cartridge has already been used, and that a bullet was simply pressed into the case, creating a dummy prop round.

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Quotes

Johnny Suede: [to the hand] Cut the caveman act man, don't you know you hold onto something tightest with an open hand?

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Alternate Versions

The new DVD from Second Sight in the UK features no voiceover intro, outro, and a scene that was cut from the original film. The scene takes place at the end of the film when Johnny runs out to find his shoe. He stops at the bar and runs into Freak Storm. He tells Freak that he doesn't have a place to stay so Freak offers for him to stay with over at his place. When Johnny walks over to Freaks table, he sees Freak with Darlette. Johnny leaves and it cuts back to the original cut of the film.

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Connections

Features The Terror of Tiny Town (1938)

User Reviews

It's Good

Now, personally, I would give this movie a 7. But from a viewing perspective, and general public take, I would give it a 5 or 5.5.

It tells the story of a young man who is aiming to become a big shot musician. He is struggling to reach that state, and it is clear he is not trying very hard to get his career running. He meets a few girls along the way, performs with his band, meets some good industry connections, and then there's something about a suede shoe.

It's a good movie, and definitely a movie that's all Brad Pitt.

6 Stars

Details

Country:

Switzerland France USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 April 1992 (France)

Also Known As:

Johnny Suede

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,535, 16 August 1992

Gross USA:

$90,091

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$90,091

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arena, Balthazar Productions, Starr

Technical Specs

Color:

Black and White Color (Fujicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1