Watch Jimmy P.

Jimmy P. is a thought-provoking and absorbing drama directed by Arnaud Desplechin. The film is based on a true story and is set in the mid-20th century in the United States. It follows the story of a Native American soldier, Jimmy Picard (Benicio Del Toro), who returns from World War II suffering from severe head trauma. When all attempts to treat his symptoms fail, Jimmy is referred to the Topeka, Kansas-based Menninger Clinic by his local hospital. There, he meets Georges Devereux (Mathieu Amalric), a French anthropologist and psychoanalyst, who has been studying Native American culture and mental illness for several years. Georges is fascinated by Jimmy's case and decides to take him under his wing, hoping to gain a better understanding of his condition.

The film explores Jimmy's psyche and the effects of his trauma on his life, family, and culture. It shows how Jimmy has lost his sense of identity and struggles to find his place in the world after the war. His family, who are also members of the Picard tribe, live in Montana and come to visit him at the Menninger Clinic, where they confront their own issues relating to their culture and personal relationships.

Georges uses his knowledge of anthropology and psychoanalysis to try to help Jimmy regain his sense of self and return to his family. He spends time with him, exploring his dreams and trying to decode the symbols in them in the context of the Picard culture. Georges also talks to Jimmy's family to gain a better understanding of their beliefs and traditions.

The scenes between Jimmy and Georges are a highlight of the film, as their exchanges are intense, emotional, and thought-provoking. They discuss issues such as identity, trauma, culture, and healing, and they both learn from each other throughout the process.

The performances of both Benicio Del Toro and Mathieu Amalric are exceptional. Del Toro, in particular, gives a nuanced and authentic portrayal of Jimmy, capturing the complexity of his character and struggles. Amalric is equally impressive as Georges, infusing the character with intelligence, empathy, and a deep appreciation of cultural diversity.

The supporting cast, including Gina McKee as an English doctor who works with Georges, and Larry Pine as the head of the Menninger Clinic, are all excellent, bringing depth to their characters and enhancing the film's overall impact.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the stark beauty of Montana and the clinical atmosphere of the Menninger Clinic, and the editing is skillful, weaving together multiple storylines without ever feeling disjointed.

In conclusion, Jimmy P. is a touching and thought-provoking film that explores complex issues of identity, culture, trauma, and healing. From its authentic performances to its beautiful cinematography, it is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Jimmy P. is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 58.