What does it mean to love a woman? This is the mystery that Don Juan DeMarco dedicates his life to solving. In 1994's romantic comedy Don Juan DeMarco a psychiatrist attempts to treat a patient with an unusual delusion; he has fallen head over heels in love with love. What ensures is an unorthodox treatment that ultimately heals doctor and patient alike and leaves the entire hospital looking for love. This Valentine's Day fall under the spell of Don Juan DeMarco.
The story begins with a young man dressed suspiciously like Zorro approaching a woman at a hotel. Although she's waiting for another man she gives in to the Latin lover's charms and spends the night with him. After this final conquest, he immediately sets out on his plan to commit suicide. He is next seen poised to jump of a billboard featuring a photo of his lost love, the centerfold model he calls Dona Ana. Following this stunt he is promptly admitted to a mental institution and placed under the care of Dr. Jack Mickler. Over the course of his ten day evaluation he regals the doctor with tales of his conquests and his rejection by his one true love, the mysterious Dona Ana. Even though he is sure that the don is actually a young man from Queens suffering from grandiose delusions the doctor is charmed by his stories. Over the course of the evaluation, however, the doctor begins to wonder if there might be some truth to the legend of Don Juan after all.
The film mixes comedy and romance to create a love letter to all things love. The script makes the most of the story's outrageous premise by relating Don Juan's full story in a series of flashbacks that are charged as much by comedy as by eroticism. Despite its sensual subject the film wisely leaves the full details of its hero's exploits largely to the imagination. In this way, the film is in keeping with his insistence that it is love and not lust that he is seeking, and is all the sexier for it. Even as it follows its hero from one conquest to the next the film's beating heart lies in the bond between its two leads. Though he is tasked with curing Don Juan, it is Dr. Mickler who is left profoundly changed by their time together. While he remains skeptical of the young man's stories, the doctor sees that there is beauty and truth within them. It is through this shift in his perspective that he regains his passion for both his profession and his marriage. As a result, both men learn the value in recognizing the world for what it is while still seeing it for what it could be. Through its elusive blend of fact and fiction the film relates a fantasy that viewers will be hard pressed not to fall for.
The legend of Don Juan is brought to vibrant life thanks to the work of its cast. Geraldine Pailhas infuses Dona Ana with warmth, mystique, and sensuality. Faye Dunaway shows off a welcome wit as Dr. Mickler's wife, Marilyn. Marlon Brando turns in an infectiously fun performance in his depiction of Dr. Mickler's transformation from staid psychiatrist to passionate lover. Johnny Depp reminds viewers that he is far more than a mere pretty face in a turn that blends roguish charm, vulnerability, and comedic skill.
In its blend of fantasy and fact and comedy and romance Don Juan DeMarco reminds us of what a romantic comedy should be. The script pays affectionate homage to the romance genre while offering a loving send-up of its inherent absurdities. As a result, the script balances unabashed romance with uproarious humor to expert effect. The performances of the cast sparkle with effervescent charm as they bring the world of Don Juan to outlandish life. This Valentine's Day surrender to the charms of Don Juan DeMarco.
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