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Dead Man

  • 19951995
  • RR
  • 2h 1m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
96K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,502
320
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
Trailer
Play trailer1:34
1 Video
93 Photos
  • Adventure
  • Drama
  • Fantasy

On the run after murdering a man, accountant William Blake encounters a strange aboriginal American man named Nobody who prepares him for his journey into the spiritual world.On the run after murdering a man, accountant William Blake encounters a strange aboriginal American man named Nobody who prepares him for his journey into the spiritual world.On the run after murdering a man, accountant William Blake encounters a strange aboriginal American man named Nobody who prepares him for his journey into the spiritual world.

IMDb RATING
7.5/10
96K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,502
320
  • Director
    • Jim Jarmusch
  • Writer
    • Jim Jarmusch
  • Stars
    • Johnny Depp
    • Gary Farmer
    • Crispin Glover
Top credits
  • Director
    • Jim Jarmusch
  • Writer
    • Jim Jarmusch
  • Stars
    • Johnny Depp
    • Gary Farmer
    • Crispin Glover
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 367User reviews
    • 112Critic reviews
    • 62Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 14 nominations

    Videos1

    Dead Man
    Trailer 1:34
    Dead Man

    Photos93

    Johnny Depp and Mili Avital in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Jared Harris at an event for Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)
    Johnny Depp in Dead Man (1995)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Johnny Depp
    Johnny Depp
    • William Blakeas William Blake
    Gary Farmer
    Gary Farmer
    • Nobodyas Nobody
    Crispin Glover
    Crispin Glover
    • Train Firemanas Train Fireman
    Lance Henriksen
    Lance Henriksen
    • Cole Wilsonas Cole Wilson
    Michael Wincott
    Michael Wincott
    • Conway Twillas Conway Twill
    Eugene Byrd
    Eugene Byrd
    • Johnny 'The Kid' Pickettas Johnny 'The Kid' Pickett
    John Hurt
    John Hurt
    • John Scholfieldas John Scholfield
    Robert Mitchum
    Robert Mitchum
    • John Dickinsonas John Dickinson
    Iggy Pop
    Iggy Pop
    • Salvatore 'Sally' Jenkoas Salvatore 'Sally' Jenko
    Gabriel Byrne
    Gabriel Byrne
    • Charlie Dickinsonas Charlie Dickinson
    Jared Harris
    Jared Harris
    • Benmont Tenchas Benmont Tench
    Mili Avital
    Mili Avital
    • Thel Russellas Thel Russell
    Jimmie Ray Weeks
    Jimmie Ray Weeks
    • Marvin, Older Marshalas Marvin, Older Marshal
    Mark Bringelson
    Mark Bringelson
    • Lee, Younger Marshalas Lee, Younger Marshal
    John North
    John North
    • Mr. Olafsenas Mr. Olafsen
    Peter Schrum
    Peter Schrum
    • Drunkas Drunk
    Mike Dawson
    • Old Man with 'Wanted' Postersas Old Man with 'Wanted' Posters
    Billy Bob Thornton
    Billy Bob Thornton
    • Big George Drakouliousas Big George Drakoulious
    • Director
      • Jim Jarmusch
    • Writer
      • Jim Jarmusch
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    In the late-1800s, the meek accountant from Cleveland, William Blake, spends the last of his already meagre savings to get to the frontier community of Machine where a job awaits him. Eager to make a fresh start, Blake arrives at his destination, only to discover that the position no longer exists. Gravely wounded and on the run from a relentless trio of bounty hunters after a deadly shoot-out, William flees the inhospitable industrial town and has a chance encounter with the enigmatic Native American spirit-guide named "Nobody", who believes Blake is the reincarnation of the visionary English poet, William Blake. Now, before the endless American wilderness, the two companions embark on a peril-laden odyssey of mysticism, transformation, and spirituality, until William crosses over into the spirit world. What lies on the other side? —Nick Riganas
    • revisionist western
    • native american
    • neo noir
    • arthouse
    • wanted poster
    • 149 more
    • Plot summary
    • Add synopsis
    • Taglines
      • Sometimes it is preferable not to travel with a dead man.
    • Genres
      • Adventure
      • Drama
      • Fantasy
      • Western
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for moments of strong violence, a graphic sex scene and some language
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Neil Young recorded the soundtrack by improvising (mostly on his electric guitar, with some acoustic guitar, piano, and organ) as he watched the newly edited movie alone in a recording studio.
    • Goofs
      As Blake follows Nobody through a canyon, both on horseback, a crewmember is briefly but clearly seen crouched and walking between the two horses.
    • Quotes

      Nobody: Every night and every morn, some to misery are born. Every morn and every night, some are born to sweet delight. Some are born to sweet delight; some are born to endless night.

    • Crazy credits
      Although Crispin Glover receives 9th billing, before Gabriel Bryne, John Hurt, Alfred Molina and Robert Mitchum, his part ends before his name appears in the opening credits.
    • Connections
      Edited into Spisok korabley (2008)
    • Soundtracks
      Billy Boy
      (uncredited)

      [Played in the saloon]

    User reviews367

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    A wonderful journey through life and death...
    The Western genre has always been misunderstood as a simplistic, racist (and misogynistic) traditional genre due to the many mediocre Westerns of the 40s and 50s. However, real good Westerns have delighted us with complex stories that take advantage of the setting themes: the conflict between honor & law, wilderness & civilization, and life & death. Director Jim Jarmusch, who has achieved fame and recognition in the independent film community, uses the elements of the Western genre to create his very own poetical meditation on these themes, giving the genre his personal touch crafting a powerful and original gem.

    Young accountant William Blake (Johnny Depp) seems to have lost everything as his parents have died and his fianceé left him without a reason; so he decides to take a job in Machine, a town located at the end of "civilization" in the Wild Wild West. To his misfortune, the job he applied to has already been taken and now he finds himself really without nothing. However, his life will change forever after by a series of circumstances he ends up murdering a man, becoming an outlaw, although getting badly wounded in the process. Now, traveling along an outcast native who calls himself "Nobody" (Gary Farmer), he'll begin a strange and surreal trip that'll prepare him for the next stage.

    Written by Jarmusch himself, the film's story details Blake's trip guided by Nobody in a similar way to Dante's journey in "The Divine Comedy", where a series of "episodes" are used to explore different ideas and themes across the trip. Jarmusch subtlety mixes drama and comedy to deliver his philosophical meditation making the film an entertaining experience, never becoming boring or tiresome. The Western setting is used effectively to tell this story and "Dead Man" toys with the Western elements in a subtle, respectful and quite entertaining way that neither parodies it nor makes fun of it in any way.

    Shot entirely in black and white, the cinematography (by Jarmusch regular, Robby Müller) captures that feeling of loneliness and emptiness that William Blake's life has, as well as his collision with the wilderness of the wild west. Jarmusch camera-work together with Neil Young's excellent soundtrack give the film a beautiful surreal look that echoes Blake's equally surreal journey across the darkness searching for light. Finally, another interesting point is Jarmusch extensive care for detail in his portrayal of the American west, as well as his respect for the Native American cultures that play an important role in his film; making "Dead Man" one of the most realist Westerns ever made.

    Johnny Depp's performance is remarkable, and probably one of the best in his career. Blake's complete transformation across the film is a real challenge and Depp makes the most of it. Gary Farmer is equally excellent and he is as effective in the comedy scenes as he is in the drama scenes, showing his flexibility and talent. The supporting roles present an assortment of cameos where actors such as Crispin Glover, Lance Henriksen, John Hurt and Robert Mitchum (in his last role) appear giving outstanding performances despite the limited screen time they receive. Henriksen certainly delivers his best performance in years.

    Jarmusch's film is a brilliant poetical meditation of life and death, but its episodic nature make it feel even more slow than it is, as every vignette is separated by fade outs that break the mood created. This really damages the film's atmosphere, as it feels as a forced wake up after a pleasant dream. Another problem, is that fans expecting an action-filled Western may end up disappointed, so bear in mind that this film is more about feelings rather than actions. Despite his minor problems, the film is still a very enjoyable experience and a whole new way to experience Westerns, so even non-fans of the genre will appreciate it.

    To summarize, "Dead Man" is an atypical look at Westerns that presents Jarmusch's interesting views on life and death in an entertaining, attractive way. Among the revisionist westerns, "Dead Man" is a valuable gem that is worth a watch. Even non-fans of the genre will find something interesting in it. 9/10
    helpful•93
    17
    • jluis1984
    • Sep 26, 2006

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 10, 1996 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Germany
      • Japan
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Cree
    • Also known as
      • Jim Jarmusch's Dead Man
    • Filming locations
      • Beacon Rock, Columbia River Gorge, Washington, USA
    • Production companies
      • Pandora Filmproduktion
      • JVC Entertainment Networks
      • Newmarket Capital Group
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $9,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $1,037,847
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $104,649
      • May 12, 1996
    • Gross worldwide
      • $1,085,079
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 1 minute
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby
      • Dolby SR
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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