Don Jon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Jersey Shore reject tries to date Scarlett Johansson while battling his crippling addiction to internet videos, but then Julianne Moore shows him the feels.

🍿 Don Jon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Don Jon

Jon Martello, a charismatic New Jersey bartender, is nicknamed ‘Don Jon’ for his success with women. He prioritizes his routine: gym, church, family, and picking up women. However, even his conquests pale in comparison to his enjoyment of online pornography, which he finds more fulfilling. This sets the stage for Jon’s journey towards finding a more genuine connection.

Relationship with Barbara

Jon meets Barbara Sugarman, a ‘dime’ he’s determined to win over. Barbara insists on a traditional courtship, which Jon navigates despite his initial reluctance. He indulges her love for romantic movies, while she pushes him to take night classes for a better career. Their relationship progresses, but Jon’s addiction to porn creates a growing rift.

Confrontation and Breakup

Despite trying to balance his relationship with Barbara and his porn habit, Jon is eventually caught. Barbara discovers his continued use of pornography, leading to a heated confrontation and the end of their relationship. This forces Jon to confront the reality of his addiction and its impact on his ability to form meaningful connections.

Finding Connection with Esther

Following his breakup, Jon connects with Esther, an older woman from his night class. Esther offers him guidance and a different perspective on relationships and intimacy. She shares her own experiences with loss and helps Jon understand the importance of mutual experience in sex and love. This leads to a more fulfilling and genuine connection for Jon.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): A porn-addicted New Jersey bartender nicknamed ‘Don Jon’ who struggles with intimacy and unrealistic expectations of women.
• Barbara (Scarlett Johansson): Jon’s demanding girlfriend who has unrealistic expectations about love based on romantic movies.
• Esther (Julianne Moore): A wise and compassionate older woman who helps Jon understand relationships and intimacy.
• Jon Sr. (Tony Danza): Jon’s loud and traditional father, representing a stereotypical macho figure.
• Angela (Glenne Headly): Jon’s mother, a character who maintains the household, longing for grandchildren, but dealing with her husband’s antics.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jon: “I like my pad, my ride, my family, my church, my boys, my girls, my porn.” – Jon’s opening monologue establishes the shallow priorities in his life.
• Jon: “Unlike porn, real pussy can kill you.” – Jon explains to his friends, why he prefers pornography over real sex.
• Jon’s Sister: “She didn’t really care about you. She just wanted a boyfriend.” – Jon’s usually silent sister finally speaks up, revealing Barbara’s superficial intentions.
• Jon: “I guess I just mean love like, you know like… we’re making love. And while we’re doing it, all the bullshit does fade away, and it’s just me and her right there, and yeah I do lose myself in her. And I can tell she’s losing herself in me. And we’re just fuckin’… lost together.” – Jon expresses his realization of finding a real connection with someone beyond superficial desire.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $24,477,704
• Worldwide Gross: $39,439,355

💥 Don Jon Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. Joseph Gordon-Levitt did a fantastic job writing, directing, AND starring in it! The way he tackled the topic of porn addiction with humor and honesty was so refreshing. Plus, the scenes with Scarlett Johansson were hilarious, especially with that Jersey accent! Julianne Moore added a layer of depth that I wasn’t expecting, and honestly, the ending left me feeling hopeful. I’d definitely recommend giving this one a watch, just be prepared for some awkward moments!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Joseph Gordon-Levitt”
  • “Viewers interested in relationship comedies with a unique perspective”
  • “Adults who appreciate movies that tackle modern issues with humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic sexual content”
  • “Pornography”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut is a surprisingly thoughtful and funny exploration of modern relationships and the unrealistic expectations fueled by media. The performances are strong, especially Scarlett Johansson’s hilarious portrayal of a romantic comedy-obsessed girlfriend.
• RogerEbert.com: “”Don Jon” is an audacious and insightful film that tackles complex issues with humor and honesty. Joseph Gordon-Levitt proves himself a talented writer and director, creating a compelling character study that challenges our perceptions of sex, love, and intimacy in the digital age.
• Rolling Stone: “This movie has great jokes, which are delivered perfectly, and offers insight into the male perspective on love and expectations. The actor’s comedic skills, combined with a solid directorial debut, make this a must-watch film with several poignant moments.

Audience Reactions

Loved Scarlett Johansson’s over-the-top Jersey accent!: Many viewers found the performances to be excellent and the movie to be thought-provoking.

The movie tackles a difficult subject with humor.: Many viewers found the film to be both funny and insightful, addressing modern relationship dynamics with nuance.

Overall Consensus: Don Jon is a surprisingly insightful and funny film that explores modern relationships and the impact of media on our expectations of love and sex. While some found the subject matter uncomfortable, many praised the performances and the film’s honesty.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote the script in 2010 and used it as his sample to get into film school at Columbia University.”
• “PornHub, a real-life pornography video website Jon goes on, supplied videos for production.”
• “The original cut of the film ran for 93 minutes on its Sundance premiere. When the film was given a wide release on September 2013, three minutes were cut from the film. Most of the removed materials were the porn videos Jon watches, some extended one night stand scenes and an extended first love scene between Barbara (Scarlet Johansson) and Jon.”

🖥️ How to Watch Don Jon?

Don Jon is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Don Jon, you might like these similar films:

• Shame (2011): Deals directly with the topic of sex addiction and its impact on a man’s life, albeit in a more dramatic and less comedic way.
• American Psycho (2000): Explores themes of objectification and the emptiness of a consumerist lifestyle, although in a far more extreme and satirical way.
• Trainspotting (1996): Presents an unflinching look at addiction (albeit to drugs) and its effects on relationships and personal well-being, with a mix of dark humor and stark realism.
• 500 Days of Summer (2009): Another Joseph Gordon-Levitt film which tackles love and expectations in a modern context.

🛒 Don Jon Related Products

• Don Jon [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut in high definition.
• Movie Poster – Don Jon (2013): High-quality print of the film’s official poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or living space.
• Don Jon – The Screenplay by Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Dive deeper into the film with the original screenplay, featuring additional insights and behind-the-scenes details.
• NJ Tank Top Women – Workout Top, New Jersey Tank Top, Italy Italian Pride Muscle Tee: Inspired by Don Jon’s Jersey roots, this tank embodies a modern take with a touch of humor, perfect for those who appreciate the movie’s cultural references.

🎧 Soundtrack

Don Jon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bout That Life” – performed by Toine feat. L. Young
• “Good Vibrations” – performed by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Funny Don Jon Movie Clip – Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Gordon Levitt Fight Over Mop!

Get ready for a laugh with this hilarious clip showcasing the playful chemistry between Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It’s a glimpse into the lighthearted side of the movie and will leave you entertained.

Don Jon’s Dad – My Hero!

Join this passionate fan as he shares his thoughts on a particular character from the movie. This personal reflection offers an interesting lens into how the film resonates with viewers and invites you to consider the movie’s themes from a fresh perspective.

Mark Kermode reviews Don Jon

Wondering what the critics thought of Don Jon? Tune in to Mark Kermode’s review for an insightful analysis of the movie’s themes, performances, and overall impact. Whether you agree or disagree with his opinions, his review will give you a deeper understanding of the film.

✨ Rate