Laugh Gala screening - short review - DON JON by Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Gordon-Levitt, one of the brightest stars of this generation of American cinema, has made the transition in his feature film debut as director and screenwriter. Don Jon is the story of a guy who, despite his womanising streak, still loves porn better than real sex. Apparently influenced by early Scorsese films and Saturday Night Fever, Don Jon plays around with interesting elements – among them even the theme of religion. Yet, despite the premise, this is hardly a compelling examination of modern society but rather a nicely packaged romantic comedy with a childish obsession for sexual taboos. Furthermore, its nature is quite bigoted. Scarlett Johansson in her turn as the titular character’s object of desire delivers a fun and vibrant performance and is among the best things in the film. However, Don Jon can’t help but feel disappointing, most of all for being provocative rather than daring and for using an approach as realistic as the clips that its lead character obsesses over.