Ben McKenzie should no longer be remembered as “that cute blonde guy from ‘The OC.’” Instead, people should think of him as the actor who gives a stunning performance as a disabled war veteran in “Johnny Got His Gun.”
The film is based on the book by Dalton Trumbo and tells the story of Joe Bonham, a 20-year-old World War I veteran who was hit with an artillery shell on the last day of the final battle. Joe survives, but doctors are forced to amputate all four of his limbs, as well as his eyes, ears, mouth and nose. Although his body is nothing more than a shell, Joe retains the ability to think and reason.
The film takes place entirely inside Joe’s head with minimal props and scenery. Basically, the movie consists of McKenzie delivering a 70-minute monologue about his character’s life before, during and after the war. Imagine watching a one-man play in which a wooden chair and bench are the only objects on stage. Now add in some lighting and smoke effects, and you should have a pretty good idea about what it’s like to watch this movie.
The entire production crew consisted of three people, making “Johnny Got His Gun,” the epitome of an indie film. The only special effects are accomplished through the use of creative lighting and cinematography. The fact that the movie delivers such a strong anti-war message without showing any gore or battle scenes is impressive.
If this film sounds like it’s on the depressing side, it is. Joe is essentially trapped inside himself with no hope of ever recovering, reliving memories of his father and fiancée knowing that he’ll never be able to see them again.
Ultimately, this movie had the potential to be melodramatic and would have been been if not for such a strong performance from McKenzie. He takes the audience on a roller coaster ride, portraying emotions from complete hopelessness to a faint sense of optimism. Even if you mocked “The O.C.” in high school, you still have to appreciate the progress he’s made as an actor.
“Johnny Got His Gun” opens today at the Dobie Theater.
For more articles and reviews of ‘Johnny Got His Gun’ check out the site gallery:
I am going to help Stef out with the site and I’ve already added some pictures from the Johnny Got His Gun Premiere and from various interviews Ben did to promote the movie:
World Premiere for Johnny Got His Gun - Outside the Paramount Theatre.
Ben and Rowan Joseph being interviewed by Michael Barnes of the Austin American Statesman.
Ben talks to students at Austin High.
KUT radio interview.
KVRX radio interview.
Screencaps of Ben’s performance in ‘88 Minutes’ are now available in the gallery, including caps from the alternate ending and featurette. Enjoy!
Sorry for the delay in posting this, but I just moved and haven’t had any internet for a few days.
The trailer for Johnny Got His Gun is now online and can be viewed at the official film website, in our media archive and at Ben Support. Happy viewing!
Mark your calendars! The World Premiere of Dalton Trumbo’s JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN, hosted by actor Ben McKenzie and director Rowan Joseph, will take place on Monday, September 22nd at 7pm at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, TX, prior to opening at Landmark’s Dobie Theatre on Friday the 26th.
The film is also slated for a limited release, opening at Landmark’s Shattuck Theater in Berkeley, CA on Oct. 10th, at the Quad Cinema in New York City on Oct. 24th, at GoggleWorks in Reading, PA on Nov. 7th, and at the Laemmle Sunset 5 in Los Angeles on Nov. 14th. It is expected to pick up additional dates and screens through the end of the year.
A percentage of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Fallen Patriot Fund, a non-profit group established to help families of U.S. military personnel who were killed or seriously wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Click here for additional information about the premiere.
Click here to visit The Paramount Theater’s site and order tickets.
The official Facebook page for Johnny Got His Gun is now online as well. Thanks again to Wes at Greenwood Hill Productions for letting me about this.