LOS ANGELES — Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut “Don Jon” features a porno-loving protagonist who must confront opposing social morays personified by his love interest, Barbara (Scarlett Johanson).
The film debuted as “Don Jon’s Addiction” as the Sundance Film Festival in January. It is slated for wide release on October 18.
Don Martello (Joseph Gordon-Lovitt) lays down his hierarchy of needs early in the film: “There’s only a few things I really care about in life: my body, my pad, my ride, my family, my church, my boys, my girls — and my porn.”
Prior to meeting Barbara, Martello’s lifestyle seems to be serving him just swimmingly. He earns the nickname “Don Jon” from his friends for his preternatural ability to pick up (and lay down) beautiful women.
When Jersey-accented blonde “dime,” Barbara catches Martello watching porn — and reacts negatively — his hierarchy gets a makeover.
But Barbara is more than just a catalyst for action in the movie; she represents a greater cultural foil, evinced by her obsessive love for romantic comedies. The delusional “reality” present in both genres is pitted against each other to reveal the arbitrary nature of valuing one over the other.
“Movies and porno are different,” Barbara tells Martello. “They give awards for movies.”
“They give awards for porn, too,” Martello earnestly replies.
Other cast members include Hollywood heavyweights Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Channing Tatum and Anne Hathaway.
Watch the official trailer here.
