The Amazing Johnathan: Wrong On Every Level

The Amazing Johnathan: Wrong On Every Level is a 2006 documentary film that captures the life and times of the popular magician and comedian, The Amazing Johnathan. Directed by Benjamin Berman, the movie provides a raw and introspective look at Johnathan's life in the early 2000s, focusing on his tour across America.

The film starts out with the background of The Amazing Johnathan, his humble beginnings as a street performer in San Francisco, and his rise to fame in the 1990s, entertaining audiences with his edgy and taboo-breaking humor. The movie then shifts to the present, as Johnathan embarks on his "final tour," leaving his fans with a last chance to catch the master at work.

Throughout the film, viewers get to see the antics of Johnathan on stage, his outrageous humor, and his eccentric onstage persona that includes features such as throwing fake drugs and fake money into the crowd. Johnathan's performance style draws inspiration from a cross-section of cultures, as he fuses aspects of traditional magic performances with dark comedy, vaudeville, and slapstick comedy.

Kristy Clark, Johnathan's girlfriend, and assistant, also present in the movie, provides an insight into Johnathan's personal life, his quirks, habits, and his health issues, including his struggle with a life-threatening heart condition. Later in the film, two more women, Erica Jones, and Anastasia Synn, join Johnathan's entourage, adding another dimension to the deep and complex character, that is The Amazing Johnathan.

The film takes a dramatic turn when Johnathan receives shocking news about his health condition that threatens to derail his final tour. The news forces him to look back at his life and acknowledge the impact he has had on his fans and those around him. Through his interviews, he opens up about his spiritual journey, his views on mortality, and his legacy as a performer.

The Amazing Johnathan: Wrong On Every Level is a surreal experience, wherein the spectator is in awe and admiration of the performer, while still feeling repulsion for his irreverent humor and questionable life choices. The documentary immerses the viewer in Johnathan's world, where shocking and unpredictable stunts occur regularly, and nothing is off-limits.

Director Benjamin Berman's approach to the film is avant-garde, with the camera frequently breaking the fourth wall and a lack of a traditional narrative structure. Rather than being a chronological tour documentary, the movie is more about the personal journey of Johnathan, giving a rare insight into the mind of a performer who has carved out his niche in the world of entertainment.

The film's brilliant comedic timing, unusual style of storytelling, and the larger-than-life character of The Amazing Johnathan are what make it both fascinating and polarizing. It's a movie that might offend some and appeal to others, but it's certainly a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in the life and career of one of the most unusual performers in the world of magic and comedy.

Overall, The Amazing Johnathan: Wrong On Every Level is an enthralling documentary that offers a rare and often unfiltered look into the world of a true groundbreaking comedy and magic legend. The movie stands as a testament to Johnathan's life, work, and legacy, and is a must-watch for anyone who likes comedy, magic or just wants to be entertained by an extraordinary performer.