Cast
View All
Keanu Reeves
as Johnny Mnemonic
Dina Meyer
as Jane
Takeshi Kitano
as Takahashi
Ice-T
as J-Bone
Dolph Lundgren
as Street Preacher
Denis Akiyama
as Shinji
Henry Rollins
as Spider
Barbara Sukowa
as Anna Kalmann
Udo Kier
as Ralfi
Tracy Tweed
as Pretty
Falconer Abraham
as Yomamma
Don Francks
as Hooky
Diego Chambers
as Henson
Sherry Miller
as Takahashi's Secretary
Arthur Eng
as Viet
Crew
Director
- Robert Longo
Producer
- Don Carmody
Reviews
Kamurai
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend past a Bad Movie Night.
What a trip in the way back machine to see the inspiration for "The Matrix", maybe more of an homage to "Lawnmover Man", but very clearly they didn't have the capability to what they actually wanted to do with the movie.
The best things are clearly Dina Meyer ("Starship Troopers": Dizzy) and the "Hot Garotte" lazer whip thing, why haven't more movies used that?
Clearly Keanu Reeves did his best to try to hold this thing together, but the writing isn't that great, despite have a pretty good story and world to it. It's really dated, but it's good enough I would actually like to see a reboot of this.
There isn't a lot to say: the production and execution fell short and it's just not worth going back to watch this one.
Nov 14, 2020
CinemaSerf
Perhaps back in 1995 the year 2021 did seem like it was an aeon away, but now that we are all actually here, this film really does struggle to resonate on just about every level. Keanu Reeves is a good looking star, but that's about the height of it. The scenario is nothing new - mankind is dependent on technology and about to be subject to a criminally backed corporation's attempts to dominate us. This time, it falls to our hero and his semi-luddite pals to access a micro-chip embedded in his brain to save humanity from oblivion. It's quickly paced, to be fair, and the star does an adequate job trying to keep one step ahead of his deadly, if not terribly effective, Yakuza pursuers but the dialogue is flat (and not terribly audible) and the supporting cast - drawn from a collection of B-listers, musicians and featuring the discobolus-like Dolph Lundgren as baddie-in-chief just follows a join the dots pattern. Maybe it's unfair to look back on it after 25 years with today's eyes - but sadly, like so many of these films, neither the talent not the visuals really stand the test of time at all well. It wasn't great then, it certainly isn't now
Mar 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Johnny Mnemonic distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Robert Longo brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Johnny Mnemonic took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1731 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 178 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Johnny Mnemonic shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Resident Evil, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Johnny Mnemonic subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Resident Evil: Apocalypse and The Island explore similar territory, Johnny Mnemonic stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 26, 1995
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $19,075,720
