Bogus (1996)

Recently orphaned, a young boy is taken in by his godmother who is shocked to realize that she can see the boy's imaginary friend: a flamboyant, French magician named Bogus.

Director:

Norman Jewison

Writers:

Jeff Rothberg (story), Francis X. McCarthy Jr. (story) (as Francis X. McCarthy)

Stars:

Whoopi Goldberg, Gérard Depardieu, Haley Joel Osment

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Harriet Franklin
Gérard Depardieu	...	Bogus (as Gerard Depardieu)
Haley Joel Osment	...	Albert Franklin
Andrea Martin	...	Penny
Nancy Travis	...	Lorraine Franklin
Denis Mercier	...	Monsieur Antoine
Ute Lemper	...	Babette
Sheryl Lee Ralph	...	Ruth Clark
Barbara Hamilton	...	Mrs. Partridge
Al Waxman	...	School Principal
Elizabeth Harpur	...	Ellen
Fiona Reid	...	School Teacher
Kevin Jackson	...	Bob Morrison
Richard Portnow	...	M. Clay Thrasher
Mo Gaffney	...	Travellers Aide - New Jersey

Storyline

Seven year-old Albert is the son of a Las Vegas circus performer. When she is killed in a car wreck, Albert is sent to live with his mother's foster sister, Harriet Franklin, a no-nonsense businesswoman struggling in New Jersey. Albert hates it with the dour Harriet, but takes refuge in the company of Bogus, a flamboyant, gentle, loving, and altogether imaginary Frenchman. With Bogus's help, Albert can perhaps come to terms with his mother's death, and Harriet with her own loss of childhood innocence.

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Plot Keywords:

close up of eyes | character name as title | magician | imaginary friend | circus | 

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Taglines:

If you believe in only one thing, believe in Bogus.

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and some mild language

Details

Official Sites:

Warner Bros. [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

6 September 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bogus - L'amico immaginario

Filming Locations:

Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,895,593, 8 September 1996, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$4,357,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Regency Pictures, Regency Enterprises, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Denis Mercier dubbed himself in the French version.

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Goofs

Albert's mother's car stalls at the intersection of Desert Inn Road and Paradise Road, but the collision takes place near Jerry's Nugget, more than four miles away in real life. The wrecked car then reappears at Desert Inn and Paradise.

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Quotes

Albert Franklin: But it's not biodegradable!

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Connections

Features Harvey (1950)

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Soundtracks

Dancing In The Dark
Written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz

User Reviews

C'est tres amusant!

What a sweet movie! It makes you wish that you were a kid again. I would gladly be seven years old once more if it meant welcoming Bogus in the form of Gerard Depardieu into my life! He was fantastic. The relationship he has with the little boy is touching without being overly sentimental, and he gives the boy exactly what he is looking for - warmth and friendship and is everything a friend (imaginary or otherwise) should be. It brought tears to my eyes one minute and made me giggle the next!

In my opinion, this film is equally entertaining for adults as well as young children, since it reminds us adults that imagination is such an important part of our lives! This film is perhaps reminiscent of "Drop Dead Fred" which sees a grown woman being comforted by her childhood imaginary friend in a time of crisis. But this movie is far, far better done if you ask me.

So for all you hardened adults out there, lighten up! This movie will help you to embrace the child within!