Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Waltzing with Brando review says that it’s a subtle but entertaining film that takes a fascinating look at a slice of Marlon Brando’s storied life, and is elevated by Billy Zane’s uncanny performance as the cinematic icon.

Based on the memoir by Bernard Judge, (the real life architect depicted in the film) the movie focuses on a little-known chapter in the 1960s when Marlon Brando, disenchanted with Hollywood and fame, set his sights on a small island in Tahiti called Tetiaroa, with the vague and perhaps naive dream of turning it into an environmentally sustainable paradise.

The story centers around the relationship between Brando (played by Billy Zane) and Judge (Jon Heder), the earnest and somewhat overwhelmed young architect Brando hires to help realize his dream. Set against the backdrop of Brando’s growing disillusionment with celebrity and the Vietnam War, the film unfolds as a series of conversations, culture clashes and personal reckonings on the idyllic shores of French Polynesia. The bond between the two men—one an iconoclast, the other an idealist—drives the film’s emotional arc as they navigate the complexities of land acquisition, environmental ideals, and the burden of legacy.

Zane delivers a performance that is nothing short of transformative. Known more for his suave villainy in Titanic and a string of B-movie appearances, Zane seems to channel Brando rather than merely imitate him. He captures the actor’s enigmatic charm, political fervor, non-conformational morality and weariness with an uncanny mixture of reverence and individuality. From Brando’s languid drawl to his restless intellect, Zane doesn’t just act—he embodies. It’s a surprising and welcome return to form for an actor whose career has often flown under the radar in recent years, and this role may well be a career-defining moment.

Waltzing With Brando review — Heder’s up

In stark contrast, Heder’s turn as Bernard Judge is the film’s most glaring weakness. Heder, best known for his role as the awkward but endearing Napoleon in Napoleon Dynamite, seems to struggle with the both the dramatic and comedic weight required for the role. His performance comes off as flat and occasionally amateurish, reminiscent of a high school production rather than a feature film. It’s unfortunate, as the character of Judge is central to the story, and a more seasoned and confident performance could have provided a stronger counterbalance to Zane’s gravitas. After nearly a decade of relative obscurity, Heder’s return to the screen doesn’t quite justify the wait—and now we know why.

Director and screenwriter Bill Fishman deserves credit for choosing such a unique and nuanced story to bring to the screen, but the film sometimes feels like a missed opportunity to dig deeper. The pacing is languid, and loosely woven together, with holes that would have been worth filling. Fishman seems content to let the story drift, much like its island setting, rather than fully engaging it with more gravitas.

That said, Waltzing with Brando remains a fine effort. The recreation of The Godfather scenes and Brando’s talk show appearances are nothing short of brilliant, and fascinating to watch. They’re an ingenious plot device. The film is also peppered with genuinely touching moments and subtle humor, particularly in the way Brando interacts with the local islanders and his unconventional family.

Ultimately, the film is an entertaining and thoughtful character study, elevated by Zane’s outstanding portrayal of one of the 20th century’s most enigmatic stars. It doesn’t always hit the emotional or comedic highs it aims for, but it offers a thoughtful, often beautiful look at a man who was more than the myth he became. Despite a co-lead stumble and a lack of cinematic gravitas—Waltzing with Brando is an engaging exploration of a fascinating chapter in the life of an American icon, with an uncanny performance by Billy Zane that deserves kudos galore.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Waltzing with Brando review says that it’s a subtle but entertaining film that takes a fascinating look at a slice of Marlon Brando’s storied life, and is elevated by Billy Zane’s uncanny performance as the cinematic icon.

1 Hour 44 Minutes

Rated R

And if you’d like to see Lisa Johnson Mandell and Tandy Culpepper giving a Waltzing With Brando review on The Hollywood Beat, check it out below: