Benny & Joon (1993)

Director:

Jeremiah S. Chechik

Writers (WGA):

Barry Berman (story) &
Lesley McNeil (story) ...

Release Date:

16 April 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

A romance on the brink of reality.

Plot:

A mentally ill young woman finds her love in an eccentric man who models himself after Buster Keaton.

Plot Keywords:

Sibling | Mechanic | Poker | Love | Toast

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 3 nominations

Cast

Johnny Depp	...	Sam
Mary Stuart Masterson	...	Juniper 'Joon' Pearl
Aidan Quinn	...	Benjamin 'Benny' Pearl
Julianne Moore	...	Ruthie
Oliver Platt	...	Eric
CCH Pounder	...	Dr. Garvey (as C.C.H. Pounder)
Dan Hedaya	...	Thomas
Joe Grifasi	...	Mike
William H. Macy	...	Randy Burch
Liane Alexandra Curtis	...	Claudia
Eileen Ryan	...	Mrs. Smail
Don Hamilton	...	UPS Man
Waldo Larson	...	Waldo
Irvin Johnson	...	Orderly
Shane Nilsson	...	Orderly

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario) | South Korea:12 | Norway:11 (TV rating) | Australia:PG | Finland:K-10 | France:U | Germany:12 | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:11 | UK:12 | USA:PG | Iceland:L

Filming Locations:

Pend Oreille River, Washington, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

Sam's dancing bread rolls gag is from Charles Chaplin's The Gold Rush (1925).

Goofs:

Continuity: In the trivia it is said that Johnny Depp used his left hand to simulate a child's writing, but when he takes down the number of N's in Benny and Joon's names, he writes with his right hand.

Quotes:

Sam: Mommy?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Beginning of the End (#6.17)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME

Favorite movie of all-time

I saw "Benny and Joon" in a dollar theatre when I was 12 and a half and my family was going through some difficult times. I had always liked movies before, but they were just an occasional treat and I never really paid attention to actors or directors or the like. After seeing "Benny and Joon" I was in love with movies! I can't pinpoint what it was about this movie that touched me so, but as an insecure, nerdy little 12 year old, it gave me something I needed. I have learned a lot about movies since then, I can name most actors and directors and I know all the production company logos, which makes me a little TOO happy ;)

A lot of movies have come and gone since I first saw "Benny and Joon" and there are plenty that I love, but, for me "Benny and Joon" will always be tops and always have a special place in my heart.