Film Review – Waltzing with Brando

“Waltzing with Brando” is “based on a true story,” which was documented in Bernard Judge’s 2011 book, “Waltzing with Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti.” Judge (who passed away in 2021) led a colorful life, and experienced a relationship with the reclusive movie star, befriending Marlon Brando during a special time in his life, catching the actor as he worked to remove himself from Hollywood interests. Writer/director Bill Fishman (“Tapeheads,” 1994’s “Car 54, Where Are You?”) has a bizarre tale to share about an unlikely connection, and he has the natural wonders of Tahiti to use as a location, working to create a type of seduction meant to tempt the characters into submission, along with viewers. Such environmental splendor certainly has its appeal, and there’s Billy Zane, who does an impressive job inhabiting Brando, managing to elevate the feature with his graceful commitment. “Waltzing with Brando” has its issues with some casting choices and a general dramatic slackness, but pieces of this behavioral puzzle snap together easily enough, making for an acceptable viewing experience. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com