Johnny Handsome

Johnny Handsome

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1989
Founder	Walter Hill (director), Ken Friedman (screenplay), John Godey (original novel author)
Products	Film

Johnny Handsome is a 1989 American neo-noir crime thriller directed by Walter Hill, featuring performances by Mickey Rourke, Ellen Barkin, and Morgan Freeman. The screenplay, penned by Ken Friedman, is adapted from The Three Worlds of Johnny Handsome by John Godey. The film's soundtrack includes compositions by Ry Cooder alongside contributions from Jim Keltner.

Plot

John Sedley, known as "Johnny Handsome" because of his facial disfigurement, is betrayed during a criminal scheme by his partners Sunny Boyd and Rafe. Following a judicial sentence, Johnny is imprisoned and swears to seek retribution. While serving time, he undergoes an innovative reconstructive surgery that leaves him with a completely new and unrecognizable appearance.

Although Johnny secures legitimate employment and develops a relationship with Donna McCarty, his former life continues to cast a shadow over him. Lt. Drones of the New Orleans Police Department remains doubtful about Johnny’s transformation, insisting that his inherent criminal tendencies remain intact. Eventually, Johnny embarks on a mission of vengeance against Sunny and Rafe, culminating in a violent showdown.

Cast

• Mickey Rourke – John Sedley/"Johnny Handsome"/Johnny Mitchell
• Ellen Barkin – Sunny Boyd
• Elizabeth McGovern – Donna McCarty
• Morgan Freeman – Lt. A.Z. Drones
• Forest Whitaker – Dr. Steven Resher
• Lance Henriksen – Rafe Garrett
• Scott Wilson – Mikey Chalmette
• David Schramm – Vic Dumask
• Yvonne Bryceland – Sister Luke
• Peter Jason – Mr. Bonet
• J. W. Smith – Mr.Stathansom
• Jeff Meek – Earl
• Allan Graf – Bob Lemoyne
• Ed Zang – Prestige Manager
• John Fertitta – Prestige Salesman
• Raynor Scheine – Gun Dealer
• Edward Walsh – Judge

Development

Originally published in 1972, the novel’s film rights were obtained by 20th Century Fox the same year, with plans for production under Paul Heller and Fred Weintraub’s Sequoia Productions; however, the project remained dormant.

In 1982, Charles Roven acquired the option and approached Walter Hill to direct, who declined twice over several years due to reservations about the melodramatic nature of the plastic-surgery storyline and insufficient interest from studios or actors.

By 1987, Richard Gere was attached to star with Harold Becker directing; subsequently Al Pacino became involved but Becker exited the project. In 1988 Walter Hill took over as director. Pacino later withdrew, leading to Mickey Rourke’s casting in the lead role.

Hill altered his earlier viewpoint in 1989 after developing a more restrained treatment of the melodrama and discovering Rourke’s ability to portray Johnny with controlled emotion. He stressed that the film centers on ethical decisions rather than psychological accuracy.

Rourke expressed his preference for complex roles lacking conventional happy endings, which aligned with the film’s somber tone.

Hill likened the film to 1940s film noir featuring a protagonist doomed from the outset, acknowledging its potential commercial limitations but valuing its capacity to evoke strong audience reactions.

Visually, Hill sought a subdued color scheme reminiscent of black-and-white noir but was limited by production constraints.

He prioritized building anticipation over delivering surprises in the narrative, focusing on character-driven drama instead of typical action-hero clichés. Rejecting Freudian explanations, Hill defined character through actions rather than past traumas, framing Johnny Handsome as a tragedy akin to classical drama.

The story’s setting was relocated from New Jersey’s small-time Mafia scene to New Orleans’ unique criminal underworld, providing an atmospheric Gothic backdrop.

Hill anticipated that the conclusion would polarize viewers but maintained it offered a positive resolution through the protagonist’s self-defined redemption, consistent with classical tragedy themes where character determines fate rather than psychological exploration.

He recognized this approach might challenge modern audience expectations but believed it conveyed a meaningful moral message distinct from contemporary psychological interpretations.

Shooting

The production took place in November 1988 in New Orleans, a city where Hill had previously filmed Hard Times and Southern Comfort.

Ellen Barkin was attracted to portraying Sunny, whom she described as "one of the great female villains," motivated solely by avarice. She highlighted that Sunny is unapologetically malicious, utilizing her sexuality strategically to secure financial gain.

Hill recounted advising Barkin about the potential professional risks involved, but she was determined to fully commit to playing the antagonist, a choice he ultimately endorsed.

Hill commended Mickey Rourke for his natural instincts and professionalism, remarking that he required little directorial guidance. Although Rourke was widely recognized in Europe for films such as 9 1/2 Weeks and Angel Heart, he was less familiar to American audiences. Hill aimed for modest success domestically while capitalizing on Rourke’s European fanbase.

Rourke underwent lengthy makeup procedures and collaborated with a speech therapist to convincingly depict Johnny’s cleft palate and associated speech difficulties.

The film’s musical score was crafted by Hill’s longtime collaborator Ry Cooder, whose unique sound greatly contributed to the movie’s mood and overall effect.

Release and Reception

The movie debuted in September 1989 at the Toronto Festival of Festivals and was also showcased at the Venice Film Festival.

Johnny Handsome garnered mixed critical feedback, holding a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 15 reviews. Both Henriksen and Barkin received nominations from the Chicago Film Critics Association for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.

Box office

The film did not achieve strong box office results. Director Hill observed that while international audiences responded favorably, its darker themes limited its appeal in the United States. He acknowledged it was not designed as a lighthearted film but regarded it as an important artistic endeavor.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack featured compositions by Ry Cooder, with four out of sixteen tracks co-written alongside Jim Keltner. Performers included Cooder, Keltner, and Steve Douglas, with horn arrangements by Van Dyke Parks. Ry Cooder also served as producer for the soundtrack.

Home video release

After its theatrical distribution, the film was made available on videocassette and laserdisc in 1990 through International Video Entertainment. A DVD edition followed in 2002, presented in full frame without additional content. In 2010, Lions Gate Entertainment released a Blu-ray version maintaining the original widescreen aspect ratio.

Legacy

In 2008, Slant Magazine noted similarities between Johnny Handsome and Mickey Rourke’s subsequent film The Wrestler, emphasizing Rourke’s transformative performances and how they mirrored changes in his real-life appearance over time.

External links

• Review of film by Roger Ebert