Julie Johnson (2001)

A woman attempts to realize the dreams she never knew she had.

Director:

Bob Gosse

Writers:

Wendy Hammond, Bob Gosse

Stars:

Lili Taylor, Courtney Love, Noah Emmerich

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lili Taylor	...	Julie Johnson
Courtney Love	...	Claire
Noah Emmerich	...	Rick Johnson
Mischa Barton	...	Lisa Johnson
Gideon Jacobs	...	Franky Johnson
Patrick Fitzgerald	...	Mike
Spalding Gray	...	Mr. Tom Miranda
Ali Marsh	...	Yolanda
Welker White	...	Sally
Dana Chaifetz	...	Susan (as Dannah Chaifetz)
Donna Hanover	...	Catherine Miranda
Bill Golodner	...	Harry
Kelly Hill	...	Ms. Hensen (as Kelley Hill)
Gina Merchan	...	Girl 1 in Park
Samara Harris	...	Girl 2 in Park

Storyline

A New Jersey housewife is dissatisfied with her everyday life because she is smarter than she or anyone else knows. While taking a computer class, Julie discovers her abilities and finds the courage to make dramatic life changes. This is a story of realizing one's potential and being willing to turn one's life upside down to take a chance on finding happiness. Claire, Julie's best friend, goes along with Julie's secret quest and eventually moves in with her. Both women are on a search to realize their dreams and come to terms with their love for each other.

---

Plot Keywords:

new jersey | computer class | computer | courage | friend | 

---

Taglines:

The life you want is waiting to be found

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 January 2001 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shooting Gallery

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Lisa Johnson: Mom, is it true? Is everything that people are saying about you and Claire true?
Julie Johnson: We love each other. That's true.
Lisa Johnson: As what?
Julie Johnson: As... lovers.

---

Soundtracks

What If I Was Famous
Written and Performed by Tor Hyama

User Reviews

This Film Deserved a Theatrical Release - An Unexpected Surprise!

Wow - what an excellent film! Great acting, directing and story. Sort of "Rainman meets Hoboken housewife meets lesbian love affair". I must admit, I was very leery of watching this, fearing it was going to be a Lesbian Love Story. I must admit, I am not a fan of the L-Word, bit I loved Queer As Folk.

I watched this because I had a copy of the movie, having done a DVD Release Party at the club I work at. Otherwise, it would have been very unlikely that I would have ever watched it. That said, I am very glad I did.

The 90 minute film packs a lot of punch, and the first 30 minutes zoom by, setting the storyline for the rest of the film, so watch carefully. Lili Taylor and Courtney Love, the leading ladies are both excellent in their roles as relatively unhappy Hoboken NJ housewives. Julie (played by Taylor) embarks on a mission to get her GED, against her husbands wishes. She eventually kicks him out.

Claire (played by Love), her best friend from High School, leaves her husband. With no place to go, Claire moves in with Julie and her 2 children. In the meantime, Julie begins her quest for knowledge, passing her GED and eventually turning her goals towards a college degree.

Notice, we still don't have much of a love story, do we? Midway through the film, that all changes - in a compassionate, yet confusing manner. Without giving away the entire story line (which includes a few very funny scenes amongst most of the drama), two women must come to terms with their feelings, for each other, and for themselves.

This is really a gem of a film, and (as I have said before), it is a shame this will not be seen by many --- some whom desperately need to see a story like this. If Brokeback Mountain and Transamerica can make the big screen, well then so should Julie Johnson. This is not a lesbian love story, this IS a story about relationships, and the journey most of us take to achieve happiness and love in our own lives.

Buy, rent or see Julie Johnson.