Jim Jarmuschemerged at an interesting period in film history, as his style of storytelling was completely different from other directors who were popular at the time. While the 1990s saw the rise of stylized, kinetic films from emerging directors likeQuentin Tarantino, David Fincher, David O. Russell,andDanny Boyle, Jarmuschcrafted a series of laid-back, slice-of-life filmsthat focused on extended conversations between characters. Thanks to the bizarre dialogue, strange visuals, and odd sense of existentialism,Jarmusch was able to get enough traction to make one of the most subversive Westerns ever made.
Dead Manwas released during a period in which Westerns had seen a resurgence within American cinema. In addition to bothDances With WolvesandUnforgivenwinning theAcademy Award for Best Picture, films likeTombstoneandYoung Gunsbecame major blockbuster successes and managed to win over audiences who hadn’t previously been interested in the genre. However,Dead Manwas a darkly hilarious, psychedelic thriller centered on a metaphorical journey into hell, proving that Jarmusch’s unique style of storytelling could be applied to any period in history.
Dead Mancenters on the adventures of the cowardly accountant William Blake, played byJohnny Depp, who travels from Cleveland to a frontier town in hopes of gaining a position. Although he is turned away by the company owner, John Dickinson (Robert Mitchum), Blake ends up going home with the prostitute Thel Russell (Mili Avital), who has made a business selling paper flowers. After Thel’s ex-boyfriend, Charlie (Gabriel Byrne), threatens to attack them, Blake kills him in self-defense; however, it is only after the fact that Blake learns that Charlie is actually Dickinson’s son. An enraged Dickinsonis desperate to achieve revenge, and dispatches the bounty hunters Cole Wilson (Lance Henriksen), Conway Twill (Michael Wincott), and Johnny Pickett (Eugene Byrd) to track down Blake. As he escapes across the frontier, Blake befriends a Native American man nicknamed “Nobody” (Gary Farmer), who offers him spiritual guidance because he thinks that he is the reincarnation of a great poet.
Dead Manexamines a literal descent into hell, as early on, Nobody recognizes that a bullet has been lodged within Blake’s body that will eventually kill him; he is essentially a walking “Dead Man” who will soon succumb to his wounds. The various odd characters that Blake and Nobody meet along the way could be taken to be representations of various figures from mythology, which may also explain why they speak in such an odd, surrealist way. Jarmusch certainly helps blur the linesbetween reality and dreamswith the odd, highly striking black-and-white visuals, which give the film a surrealist style. The film seems to draw inspiration from its visuals from stark “wanted” posters of Blake that are seen in the background, and thus shape the way he is perceived by others. Even if the use of black-and-white would traditionally feel like that of a classical film noir,Dead Man’s abrasive humor gives it a psychedelic feel, as it has stood the test of time as one of the first postmodern Westerns.
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Dead Manwas rich in historical detail, as the film earned praise for the positive depiction of a Native American character; in addition to giving time for Nobody to explain the traditions and culture that his people abided by,Dead Manalso explores the history of genocide and xenophobia thatwas sadly inherent to the American frontier. Ultimately, the film is also a satire of capitalism, as it shows the double-edged sword of trying to achieve the American dream; while Blake will have nothing if he is not employed, and the job that he attempts to acquire puts him in competition with others who would likely kill him to take his position.
Dead Manhas a far stronger narrative thrust than other Jarmusch films,as his earlier dramedyStranger Than Paradisehad none of the same action or suspense. However,Dead Manis also satirical of how the Western genre has been mythologized within popular culture, as none of Blake’s adventures are particularly rousing; even if classics likeStagecoachorRed Rivershowed this era to be a time filled with heroes and villains,Dead Manreveals the “Wild West” to be a historical period in which people were in a desperate fight for survival, and would be willing to betray one another for the sake of resources. It helps that Depp’s portrayal of Blake is also quite subversive, as he has none of the same bravery or stoicism that made audiences fall in love with iconic Western actors likeJohn Wayne, Gary Cooper, Glenn Ford,orClint Eastwood.
Dead Manhasa very dark sense of humor, as many characters die or meet unfortunate fates in a manner that could seem cruel. That being said, Jarmusch does take time to explore some of the artistic achievements of the era, and suggests that they were at least the forebears of better things.Dead Manpredated further experimentation on Jarmusch’s part, as he would later make his first action film withGhost Dog: Way of the Samuraiand stepped into the horror genre withOnly Lovers Left Alive. However,Dead Manis still a novelty within his career, and perhaps the most entertaining film that he has ever made.
Dead Manis available to watch on HBO Max in the U.S.
