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:

magician | imaginary friend | circus | one word title | interracial adoption | 

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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

As they drive away from the airport, the boom mic is clearly reflected in car windows.

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Quotes

Dr. Surprise: [laughs] Settle down, kids! Just settle down! Yes! Are you ready for another surprise?
Kids: Yeah!
Mom at Party: What am I supposed to do?
Dr. Surprise: Right into the box, my little cinnamin bun. Here is the big surprise! Are you ready in the closet?
Mom at Party: Yes I am, Dr. Surprise
Bogus: Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm.
Dr. Surprise: Sim Sola Bim!
[the mom is turned into a dog, the audience cheers]
Girl at Party: [gasps] Mama! Where's my mamma?
[cries]
[...]

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Connections

Features Ginger and Fred (1986)

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Soundtracks

Kalimando
Written by René Dupéré
Performed by Cirque du Soleil
Courtesy of BMG Classics

User Reviews

Understanding

After reading the many comments and watching the movie several times, I think I realize why Albert's friend was French. The people he was closest to in his former life were the French magician and his wife/partner. Therefore it made sense that his imaginary friend was like them. I loved the movie and though Harriet seemed to change suddenly in some people's opinion, I think she was changing throughout the movie. The looks she gave and the thoughts that seemed to be going through her mind, were very evident of that fact. Gérard Depardieu was excellent in the part of Bogus, the evidence between him being so big and the boy so small. How many times have we as adults wished for someone big and strong to take us up and give us comfort? I loved the ending where he wandered away to help another child. Sometimes in my life, I wish for someone like him. He also has a lovely smile. Good movie for that time when you are wanting something different.