STORYLINE: Movie star Marlon Brando recruits a Los Angeles architect to build the world’s first ecologically perfect retreat on a small, uninhabited island in Tahiti. (IMDb)

 Creation takes many forms, with many portrayals in cinema.  Social media was created in The Social Network (2010).  In The Brutalist (2024) architecture was being created. Many films have portrayed music being created, such as in the Oscar winning documentary Amy (2015).  Waltzing with Brando attempted to create an eco friendly retreat in Tahiti, by Marlon Brando.

    The film captures the oddities and the passions of Brando well.  His talent as an actor is featured in the film, but plays second fiddle. Anyone familiar with the star knows his talent from roles such as On the Waterfront (1954) and The Godfather (1972).

   The film also focuses on the relationship with Bernard Judge.  He becomes just as passionate about the Tahiti Project, as Brando.  

    The film has the set up to be an interesting piece on obsession between two unlikely friends. Instead it becomes an overbearing message film about climate change. While I believe it an important message, emphasizing it over and over again instead of focusing on the story takes away from the film.  

    Further taking away from the film are the two leads. Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) abd Billy Zane (Titanic) portray Bernard Judge and Marlon Brando.  Both overact and the performances Venice cheesy in what is a dramatic film.

   I wanted more out of Waltzing with Brando, a lot more. 

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!