Iconic Johnny Walker

We all have countless benchmark for clothing style. For me, definitely, the look of Mickey Rourke in the movie "Homeboy" is part of the myth of American icon. Old LEE storm rider jacket, distressed and torn, battered Stetson, old cowboy boots worn, distended sweat hoodie, if I had a style to keep, what will this one!

Homeboy is a 1988 drama film, directed by Michael Seresin. It was written by and stars Mickey Rourke (He credited as "Sir" Eddie Cook) in the role of self-destructive cowboy/boxer Johnny Walker. Christopher Walken also stars as Walker's slightly corrupt promoter, who encourages him to fight whilst hiding from him the fact that one more punch in the wrong place would kill him. Rourke and Walken give excellent performances and Debra Feuer gives quite an exceptional performances as well. The music, by Eric Clapton, provides the film with deep emotion.

The story

Johnny Walker is a down-and-out boxer, with brain damage who has just recently moved into a sea-side resort. Upon arriving, he falls in love with Ruby, a carnival owner who has a lot in common with Johnny,.

Johnny, who is played by Mickey Rourke, also befriends Wesley Pendergrass (Christopher Walken). Wesley and Johnny form a strong friendship, and it's clear that Johnny idolises Wesley.

Later on in the film, Wesley wants to use Johnny as muscle in a robbery and he asks Johnny to help him. Johnny has to choose between the love of Ruby (Debra Feuer) or the friendship of Wesley.

Mickey Rourke plays a not too bright guy who boxes and has observable nervous system damage, which shows in the way he walks and holds his face. He does a terrific job in this role.

The scenes with Rourke and the beautiful carnival girl are touching.

He comes to her aid when she is being harassed by some punks. Later when they are walking together she asks him why he turns his face away as they walk and he says that is because his face looks funny. "No," she tells him.

The recurring scene in the gym where the white and black trainer play checkers and the old black trainer keeps asking in puzzlement, "What color am I?" (checker piece color) is a classic. The white trainer and checker opponent tells him each time with a kindly smile, "You're black."

Christopher Walken evokes a disgusting character in the form of the jerk and criminal the Rourke character looks up to. Walken sees a use for Rourke in his own scumbag plans and "befriends" Rourke.

In the course of their contact Rourke asks two questions based on conversation going on around him in an attempt to learn something beyond beyond his own limited world,

1--"What's Granny Smith?"

2--"What's Jewish?"

The character Rourke evokes is one of the most sympathetic figures in any movie-- one who is not at all swift mentally, physically damaged, yet brave and good hearted.

In his physical condition the Rourke character should never have had the fight he did at the end of the movie.

Exterior shots in Asbury Park include the boardwalk, the beach, Paramount Theatre, Cookman Avenue. Shots in Belmar include Alfred's Ice Cream Cafe and Pied Piper Ice Cream. Interior shots in Asbury Park include the Convention Hall and Belmar Barber Shop in Belmar.

Tillie and the Palace Amusements building can be seen in the background, a staple of Asbury Park and its culture. During the boxing scenes, the Convention Hall is used as the venue. This is the first of two times Rourke used the famed venue in films. The second time it was used was for 2008's The Wrestler.