"The Death & Life of John F. Donovan” (2018) (Movie Review with Spoilers)

“The Death & Life of John F. Donovan” is a Canadian film starring Kit Harington, Natalie Portman, Jacob Tremblay, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Thandie Newton, Ben Schnetzer, Amara Karan, Chris Zylca, Jared Keeso, Emily Hampshire, Sarah Gadon, and Michael Gambon. It was written by Xavier Dolan and Jacob Tierney, based on an original idea by Xavier Dolan, also directed by Xavier Dolan.
The film tells the story of a young actor/writer named Rupert giving an interview regarding his secret conversations (that lasted for about 5 years) via mail with a famous actor when he was just a little kid. His exchanges with this actor (John F. Donovan) lead to him discovering things about himself as a person as well as an artist, it allows for him to make up scenarios about John’s private life and to find parallels between this actor’s ostensible family struggles and his own family problems. Their correspondence exchange stops when John dies by suicide according to the news.
Correction: The interview I mentioned where Jennifer Lawrenfe talks with Jerry Seinfeld about being "rude" to fans in order to protect herself was not actually with Jerry Seinfeld. It was with Adam Sandler, I confused the two comedians, my apoligies. The video is on KZbin in the official Variety channel on an "Actors on Actors" segment.
After reading some comments on KZbin, I found out that a lot of people feel like Rupert was also gay and the guy he got on the motorcycle with in the end was his boyfriend. Unlike John (and thanks to him), he did not have to hide who he was. If this is the case, it makes the ending even better.
“The Death & Life of John F. Donovan” tells a very common story about some of the effects of fame and broken family relationships but it does so in a very uncommon and original way. After recording the video for this review I was incredulous to read about the bad reviews given to this film by critics. I could not disagree more, this film is unique without seeming pretentious, it touches on the often sought after “fame” but in a way that is relatable to people like me who have never tasted that sweet poison. It oscillates between the aforementioned and everyday struggles with family members, specifically a mother and son relationship. The way it was written, shot and executed by the actors paved the way for audience members to genuinely care about the story, to relate to most characters whether or not we shared their struggles or circumstances. Special kudos to Jacob Tremblay, for portraying such a troubled yet hopeful child while being just a child himself, his talent is simply incredible. I would wholeheartedly recommend this film to any cinephile with a passion for serious film consumption and enjoyment. Warning: The greatness of this movie comes at a cost, at least for the more sensitive viewers like myself. It is heavy and not easy to process, having known this beforehand I would have still watched it 100%. There is always a positive message to take even from the darkest films.
#thedeathandlifeofjohnfdonovan
My personal rating for this movie is:
10/10
Thanks for watching!
Instagram: / albertog10x

[@GMAMEC]

For some reason, “artist” find satisfaction in ambiguous endings. I prefer clear messages and explanations. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@albertog10x]

For the most part I too prefer when we get clear endings. You are very welcome, thank you too for watching and commenting!

[@intensehummingofevil]

Unrelated but YESSSS JOY DIVISION SHIRT 💜💜💜

[@albertog10x]

I recieved it as a gift for my last birthday, they made some fine music 🎸

[@intensehummingofevil]

@@albertog10x smh you’re my literal hero. From movie and music taste to amazing reviews. I stg if you ever start a discord server I’d join in 0.5 seconds

[@albertog10x]

Haha thanks! It's cool to share a liking for these movies and music, art makes us think and connect with others around the world 🙂 I really like that!

[@intensehummingofevil]

@@albertog10x btw this is also very off topic but I’d love to see some more reviews from you about both albums and horror movies like cannibal holocaust and the Serbian film. Your reviews have so much depth and I’d adore to hear your perspective on the dark films with deep meaning. I’m so sorry if that’s asking for too much!!

[@albertog10x]

Hmm, I've definitely thought about reviewing albums but as of now I don't think I will, mainly because I don't own many in comparison to movies, perhaps in the future. As for darker or extreme horror movies, yes, I am very interested in reviewing that subgenre, I have several reviews for movies like that spread throughout this channel. The reason why I haven't done too many reviews on those type of movies is mostly because KZbin is a very "open" platform and the subject matter in those films is highly inappropriate for certain audiences. Granted, with audience restrictions I can and will do more in the future, scattered around with other genres like usual of course. No problem at all, I like hearing options and recommendations. If I read something I like, be sure I'll add it on to future videos, thanks for the suggestions! 😀

[@n1eha]

Where to watch it

[@albertog10x]

Right now it's on Prime, Google Play and KZbin. Or you can always buy a physical copy like I did