A visual and lyrical treat; John Tarzan is a dreamy mystery where the mystery doesn’t really matter. At the centre of the film is John Tarzan, a mystery in himself. As a private eye who has lost his ambition for the job, he half-heartedly sets to work on the case of a missing girl.
Rather than action, John Tarzan foregrounds inaction – it is a study of reflection and introspection. We are immersed in the experience of the film, and in the mind of the protagonist. Writer, producer and director Max Beasley shows great skill and creativity. The writing from Beasley is lyrical and enchanting; both beautiful and disturbing. Coupled with the superb delivery from Demorge Brown as John Tarzan, the combined effect is utterly mesmerising.
DeMorge Brown steals the show. It’s impossible not to be completely captivated by the character he portrays. Set against a mise-en-scene influenced by 70s neo-noir, Brown perfectly reflects the vibe of the era. The tonal quality of the film is aesthetically engaging, drawing viewers even further into the poetical fugue created by Beasley. The colours and lighting of the film are transcendent; the music is also very complementary to the overall feel.
As a showcase for the talent of actor DeMorge Brown and the wonderful creativity of director/ writer Max Beasley, John Tarzan satisfies an itch you didn’t know you had. Every element of its creation works together in harmony, and I’m especially excited to see what both Brown and Beasley do next.