There are many who attempt to make films but Joseph Gordon-Levitt does it all. As the director, writer and leading man Gordon-Levitt makes a credible directorial debut in Don Jon. In this film Levitt tackles the issues of having a relationship, ravished by an addiction.
As Jon Martello, Gordon-Levitt is a Jersey boy, equipped with washboard abs, slick hair, and a smooth voice. He is an in your face example of a true “Guido” Italian guy who knows how to be a ladies’ man.
Like everyone else Jon has flaws, including being obsessed with Internet porn. Along with the porn, Jon leads an obsessive life with working out, drinking, and anonymous sex. One night that routine changes, as he meets Barbara (Scarlett Johanson), the hottest woman he hasn’t met yet. Although the film is structured as a romantic comedy, its real theme is how Jon’s porn addictions affect him psychologically.
As the filmmaker, Gordon-Levitt tries to cater the film towards the male’s perspective of romance versus an overabundance of mushy cheesiness. Critics questioned his ability to write, but like his directing, he proved to be a stellar screenwriter as well. The script is smart, witty, and engaging to all audiences. He learns his style from legendary filmmakers like Guy Ritchie and Martin Scorsese, attributed to the repetitive high-speed sequencing of Jon’s life. Gordon-Levitt develops his characters at a fast pace that the audience will care for. Not to mention, Martello’s family are the ones who steal the movie with their vivid Italian family dinners.
Gordon-Levitt gives the people something different. Don Jon is not your typical love story. Many may like it and many may love it but, Gordon-Levitt has only scratched the surface for filmmaking.
