Waltzing with Brando

This film serves as Marlon Brando's quintessential biopic of the last half of his life, that's still quite captivating whether or not you know who he is. Billy Zane is absolutely transcendent; there were many times that I forgot that Marlon Brando wasn't actually on the screen. What caught me by surprise, however, was that it was not just a biopic about Brando, but also documented the budding friendship between Marlon Brando and Jon Heder's character. The chemistry between Zane and Heder is palpable and really serves as the glue for the movie in its entirety. I would love to see these two in a buddy cop movie!

There's a little bit of cheesy dialogue (more fault in the writer than the actors), some narration and talking to the camera (which I don't particularly care for), and are times where the movie feels a little long, but all-in-all, this film was entertaining, informative, and funny. I definitely think it would be worth anyone's time to watch it.

"Waltzing with Brando" offers a lighthearted look at a relaxed, playful, and spontaneous Marlon Brando not often seen by the public. Part prankster, part dreamer, the film captures his forward-thinking quest to develop his beloved atoll in a way that was both ecologically sensitive and sustainable-proof, he believed, that a better way of living was possible. Though the technology of the 1970s wasn't yet advanced enough to realize his vision, it doesn't diminish the sincerity or ambition of his effort. Directed by Bill Fishman and based on the memoir of Brando's innovative architect Bernard Judge (played by Jon Heder), the story brings Brando's dream to life. Billy Zane delivers a magnificent performance, embodying the warmth and pure joy Brando must have felt in his tropical paradise, and the film shares that spirit with us. In the end, the film supports a version of Brando as a visionary ahead of his time.

Have a major featured background role as a BUSINESSMAN in an entire scene standing next to the one & only Richard Dreyfuss.... I mean closeups too....it was soooo great to see myself in a Feature film.... I saw the film @ a For Your Consideration screening eventon January 6th, 2025 & hope everyone gets a chance to see it.....It's very FUNNY & INFORMATIVE......I actually really laughed a lot & learned something about Brando @ the same time.... I hope it becomes BIG & hope everyone gets the opportunity to see it . Billy Zane & others of the cast were hilarious.....A must see..whenever it becomes released to all!!!!

Greetings again from the darkness. Marlon Brando was a true Hollywood legend. Renowned for his performances in such movies as A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951), ON THE WATERFRONT (1954), and of course, THE GODFATHER (1972). He was nominated for eight Oscars, winning three. Despite his on-screen fame, Brando was an enigma in life. Sexual escapades, a commitment to causes, a neighbor and friend to Jack Nicholson, and his own French Polynesian island contributed to the mystique. It's that private island which writer-director Bill Fishman (nearly a 40-year career of music videos) focuses on here.

The film is adapted from the 2011 book, "Waltzing with Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti", written by Bernard Judge, who is not just a big part of the story, it is in fact, his story being told. We first meet Bernard Judge (played by Jon Heder, NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, 2004) as a California-based architect with an interest in ecologically friendly and sustainable construction. It's this interest that draws the attention of Marlon Brando (Billy Zane, TITANIC 1997; TOMBSTONE 1993, the underrated DEAD CALM 1989), who wants to develop something special on his remote island, Tetioroa. The two men hit it off and Bernard, with input from Brando, develops a comprehensive master plan and design.

Now if all that sounds a bit serious, you should know that director Fishman takes a light-handed, comedic approach to most of it. Zane's Brando is both charming and manipulative, while Heder's acting as Bernard is more suited to the man who finally takes to the relaxed Tahiti lifestyle, rather than the starched-shirt architect we first meet. Zane is made to look very much like Brando, yet he doesn't limit his performance to posing and side-eyes. He even gets to deliver his Brando in "cuts" from THE GODFATHER, LAST TANGO IN PARIS, APOCALYPSE NOW, and SUPERMAN.

We learn developing a private island is not easy, even for Hollywood royalty. It's also not cheap, and Brando, despite feeling tired of acting, continued taking jobs to pay for his dream ... his restructuring of his "Gangster Movie" (THE GODFATHER) ended up costing him millions of dollars. The supporting cast includes Rob Corddry as Brando's Business Partner, Richard Dreyfuss as the Money Manager, Alaina Huffman as Bernard's wife, Camille Razat as a special friend. There are also appearances from Tia Carrere, David Guerira (as Francis Ford Coppola), and Heiae Touniou. Thanks to CGI, we see clips of Brando with Dick Cavett and Johnny Carson, and in keeping with the light-handed approach, there is a significant amount of speaking to the camera (breaking the 4th wall).

Billy Zane makes an excellent Brando (with a unique doorstop), while Jon Heder seems a bit miscast (or trying too hard). The story emphasizes Brando's relaxed island style, purposefully avoiding the dark side. For Bernard Judge, these four or five years were life-altering, and we even see him looking back in 2010 during an interview for the book. Bernard passed away in 2021, so he didn't get to see the film. It's not a movie you can't refuse, but for movie fans, it's certainly fun to see Billy Zane as the icon.

Only in theaters on September 19, 2025.