by Rosa Parra

“Waltzing with Brando” is written and directed by Bill Fishman. Set against the stunning landscapes of late 1960s Tahiti, *Waltzing with Brando* tells the charming, funny, and inspiring true story of silver screen icon Marlon Brando (played by Billy Zane) and progressive, environmentally-minded architect Bernard Judge (played by Jon Heder) as they attempt to build the world’s first sustainable paradise on the remote, uninhabitable atoll of Tetiaroa.

Marlon Brando was always unapologetic in expressing his views and philosophies. However, this is not a biopic of his life; it only explores a small fraction of it, focusing on the island he would transform. During this time, he worked on some of his most iconic roles, which are briefly mentioned but serve only as a backdrop to the film’s central narrative.

The movie emphasizes Brando’s environmental beliefs and political stances, while also acknowledging that his primary motivation for acting was financial gain. Brando never truly enjoyed the attention that came with his career, which is why he sought solace on the island. We get a glimpse into his personal life, including a partner with whom he had children, and it is noted that they agreed to an open relationship. Brando has long been known as a womanizer and an unforgettable lover (ask Rita Moreno).

Although Brando is a central figure, he is not necessarily the main character. The story unfolds primarily through Bernard’s perspective. The film opens with Bernard being assigned to the island in hopes of negotiating a potential purchase from its owner. As we follow him, we see the strain his decision puts on his family and how it forever changes his life.

The performances are strong overall. Billy Zane’s portrayal of Brando is good, though I anticipated an Academy Award-caliber performance that I did not see. While it was compelling to witness him recreate those iconic movie scenes and revive famous interviews, there is not much else to praise beyond the uncanny resemblance.

Unfortunately, the movie lacks vision and cohesion. It oscillates between trying to be a mockumentary and failing to establish a suitable style. As a film history student, I appreciated the recreation of iconic scenes from Brando’s work; they were terrific to watch. The scenes themselves were impressive, and the interviews were outstanding. I also appreciated their effort to stay true to the aspect ratio of the television shows from that era. 

The pacing of the film is often odd and disjointed, lacking a clear focus. Although the events unfold within a specific timeframe, there seems to be insufficient emphasis on what the film should prioritize. By presenting the story from Bernard’s perspective, the audience gains an outside view; however, with such an iconic actor as Marlon Brando, the narrative feels underwhelming. It’s akin to telling the story of Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Meryl Streep, or Daniel Day-Lewis from the viewpoint of an architect, rather than through the celebrities themselves. Given that the subject matter is of such high caliber and their contributions have defined their respective eras, the figures involved seem less significant.

In summary, this is a film you can easily waltz past. 

Rating: 4/10.