Johnny Suede

1991 Comedy

Tom DiCillo directed this surrealistic black comedy starring Brad Pitt as Johnny Suede, a young man with an attitude and an immense pompadour, who wants to be a rock n' roll star like his idol Ricky Nelson. He has all the stylistic accouterments, except a pair of black suede shoes. And one night, after leaving a nightclub, like manna from heaven, a pair of black suede shoes falls at his feet. Soon afterwards, the recently completed Johnny meets Darlette (Alison Moir), a sultry bohemian whom he beds down for the night. In spite of Darlette's abusive boyfriend with a gun, Johnny begins to see Darlette everyday. But when Johnny is forced to pawn his guitar for rent money, Darlette mysteriously leaves him. Johnny's pal Deke (Calvin Levels) fronts him the money to get his guitar out of hock, and the two form a band. Depressed about Darlette's desertion, he wanders aimlessly, and he meets Yvonne (Catherine Keener), a woman much wiser than Johnny who teaches him that there are things in life much more important than a pair of black suede shoes. DiCillo based his independent comedy Living in Oblivion upon his experiences working with Brad Pitt on this film. more..

Director: Tom DiCillo

Starring: Brad Pitt, Calvin Levels, Alison Moir, Catherine Keener, Tina Louise

Reviews

  • Offbeat, stylish and packed with some wonderfully bizarro moments.

    - Empire

    26 April 2013

  • There's no denying the kick of Pitt's memorably offbeat performance and writer-director Tom DiCillo's stylish debut.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    26 April 2013

  • DiCillo's humorous insight into the post-modern culture manifests into vivid characterizations that are enhanced by credible cast performances.

    - Austin Chronicle

    26 April 2013

  • Johnny Suede's stylish, dreamlike mood and abstract dialogue cannot compensate for its unsatisfying storyline and characters.

    Ethan Alter - TV Guide

    26 April 2013

  • None of it works, except for some moody cinematography, the on-screen charisma of lead actor Brad Pitt, moussed to the max as Johnny Suede, and the sheer likability of a few of his co-stars.

    - The San Francisco Chronicle

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Tom DiCillo

    Deauville Film Festival (1991)

     
  • Best Female Lead

    Independent Spirit Awards (1993)

     
  • Tom DiCillo

    Locarno International Film Festival (1991)

  • Dramatic

    Sundance Film Festival (1992)