Dead Man

Name: Dead Man
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Western
Released: May 10, 1996
Duration: 121 min
Rating: 62
Cast: Gary Farmer, Johnny Depp

1996

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 111 Ratings

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7.2

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7.2	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 111 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Miramax Films | Release Date: May 10, 1996 | R

Starring: Gary Farmer, Johnny Depp

Summary: In search of a fresh start, William Blake embarks on an exciting journey to a new town, never realizing the danger that lies ahead. When a heated love triangle ends in double murder, Blake finds himself a wanted man, running scared—until a mysterious loner teaches him to face the dangers that follow a "dead man." [BV Entertainment]

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Genre(s): Drama, Fantasy, Western

Rating: R

Runtime: 121 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Jarmusch has said that the film's odd, generally slow rhythm -- hypnotic if you're captivated by it, as I am, and probably unendurable if you're not--was influenced by classical Japanese period movies by Kenji Mizoguchi and Akira Kurosawa. Read full review

100

Zach Campbell

Dead Man is likely Jim Jarmusch’s most stunning achievement. Read full review

David Ansen

The mordant, deadpan humor that streaks through Dead Man is echt Jarmusch, but it's in the service of his most mysterious and deeply felt movie, a meditation on death and transfiguration that, by the end, has thrown off the protective veil of irony. [03 Jun 1996, Pg.75]

Stanley Kauffmann

Come back, Jim Jarmusch. Come back to the pungency of your first films. Leave the 1970s. Come back to the future. [03 Jun 1996, Pg.30]

Marc Savlov

It's not a bad movie by any stretch of the imagination, just one that grabs your attention and then lets it go, time and time again. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

The film has barely started, and already we can tell what we're in for -- two hours of metaphysical drift. Read full review

Barbara Shulgasser

Particularly because unlike so many other boring movies one sees, Jarmusch films require many more words to explain the boringness than less certifiably artistic films would. Read full review

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User Reviews

fonzea

Apr 21, 2020

As Jim Jarmusch keeps his cards close to the chest, we may never be able to fully unwrap the message in this mystery. However, whilst it may not be a film you enjoy, it certainly won't be one that you forget, and perhaps that's enough.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

HankChinaski

Oct 20, 2011

One of the most essential movies Jarmusch has made, belongs in the hall of fame of American film. Loving the intertextuality of the film (if you like William Blake's poems, you will enjoy this film), and Neil Young's original score is one of the best I've heard. If you have a shortOne of the most essential movies Jarmusch has made, belongs in the hall of fame of American film. Loving the intertextuality of the film (if you like William Blake's poems, you will enjoy this film), and Neil Young's original score is one of the best I've heard. If you have a short attention-span, you might find the film tiring though - you need the right kind of mood and mental state for watching it, be aware of that, but dont let it put you off.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

XavierBlaq

Dec 28, 2013

Dead Man is a western-themed psychedelic tragedy with heavy comedic elements, something I did not know could even exist until I watched this movie. With decent acting, mind-blowing visuals, and high-brow comedy that left me either rolling or speechless, Dead Man impresses on all the commonDead Man is a western-themed psychedelic tragedy with heavy comedic elements, something I did not know could even exist until I watched this movie. With decent acting, mind-blowing visuals, and high-brow comedy that left me either rolling or speechless, Dead Man impresses on all the common levels of cinema. However, beneath all this mind-boggling weirdness is a soul that, once found, can move one to think more about their own existence, as Blake does. Therefore, the film might be one of the weirdest movies ever, but it still has a heart whose beats can be heard through the excellent guitar work of Neil Young.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Tom

Nov 3, 2005

The progression of Blakes character alone makes it an interesting watch, but by far the most captivating aspect of this film is how it challenges the western perspective of death, illustrated through the travels of a man in limbo between progressing to the next world and being dragged back The progression of Blakes character alone makes it an interesting watch, but by far the most captivating aspect of this film is how it challenges the western perspective of death, illustrated through the travels of a man in limbo between progressing to the next world and being dragged back to hell. Neil Young's soundtrack, suitably minimalist, is testament to why it's more than ok to make films that don't follow the rulebook. I just wish I had of analysed this in my high school media class.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

NickH.

Jan 22, 2006

I hold the belief that most critics are pretentious, hypocritical children out to earn a name for themselves as quote-whoring, hatemongers. I think some of the reviews for Dead Man only help to reinforce this. Could someone explain to me how critics - professional critics who earn salaries I hold the belief that most critics are pretentious, hypocritical children out to earn a name for themselves as quote-whoring, hatemongers. I think some of the reviews for Dead Man only help to reinforce this. Could someone explain to me how critics - professional critics who earn salaries from major publications - keep their jobs while using words - like … Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Spangle

Nov 6, 2015

A film that is expertly made by director Jim Jarmusch, Dead Man is slow moving, but never becomes boring thanks to that great direction and a great performance from Johnny Depp. Considered an "acid western", the film stars Depp as an accountant who heads out west for a job and, once there,A film that is expertly made by director Jim Jarmusch, Dead Man is slow moving, but never becomes boring thanks to that great direction and a great performance from Johnny Depp. Considered an "acid western", the film stars Depp as an accountant who heads out west for a job and, once there, undergoes a major transformation and becomes a true western gunslinger. The film is also notable for a great performance from Gary Farmer as a Native American who helps Depp. The gentle and sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans living near whites is great and really helps bolster this one. All at once, Dead Man manages to be your typical western, but also manages to be completely unique within that genre, which is a weird place to be and makes this one hard to judge. However, thanks to great dialogue that is used only when needed, great performances from Depp, Farmer, and Michael Wincott, as well terrific direction from Jarmusch, it is tough to look away from Dead Man.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ERG1008

Aug 23, 2010

Accountant travels from Cleveland to a remote town to take a new job, job has gone when he gets there, kills someone, has a bounty put on him, goes on the run.
Not one of JD's better films despite having some very good cameos throughout. Lance Henriksen & Crispin Glover are excellent but theAccountant travels from Cleveland to a remote town to take a new job, job has gone when he gets there, kills someone, has a bounty put on him, goes on the run.
Not one of JD's better films despite having some very good cameos throughout. Lance Henriksen & Crispin Glover are excellent but the Indian (Nobody) annoyed the hell out of me.
Also felt that the story was too disjointed in parts and, as much as I like Neil Young, thought the soundtrack was a bit cheesy too.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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64	#64 Best Movie of 1996
32	#32 Most Discussed Movie of 1996
56	#56 Most Shared Movie of 1996