Hollywood is filled with interesting people, and there are some the world would like to know more about. Marlon Brando is one of these people. He was an advocate for many things and helped show ways to do so. Waltzing with Brando allows the audience to learn about one of his legacies located in the atoll of Tetiaroa. This area is made up of multiple small islands surrounding a lagoon. It is about 20 minutes by air from the main island of Tahiti, French Polynesia. The Tetiaroa Society conducts scientific research with a focus on its ecology. There is also a luxury resort with villas, a spa, and options for activities. The story is based on the book by Bernard (Bernie) Judge, which he wrote using his journals from his real-life experience in Tahiti with Brando.
Billy Zane becomes Marlon Brando on the screen, from his natural physical similarities and the work by the film’s makeup department, led by Cici Anderson. His performance shows that he has studied footage of Brando and successfully replicates his mannerisms and speech patterns. During his research and work on this project, Zane learned about Brando’s interest in environmental rights and options to live without damaging the planet.
The film covers 1969 – 1974 and is primarily the story of Bernard Judge, Jon Heder, being hired to create an environmental resort in Tahiti. Judge is a happily married man and father. He is living the dream life for the time. Upon arriving in Tahiti, he is shown a different way of life with fewer societal rules and an appreciation for the planet. Once he is connected with Brando, Judge slowly begins to question and adapt to living in French Polynesia. The building of an environmentally sound facility becomes his focus. And the struggle between what is realistic and the best choices is balanced against Brando’s vision and the available finances.
Those familiar with Brando’s filmography are aware that this time period covers the filming of The Godfather and Last Tango in Paris. Moments showing possible options for Brando’s preparation and filming scenes from these movies are included. One notable scene involving a purring cat was selected to be re-enacted. There are also highlights from moments of Brando’s activist side with marginalized groups of people. This includes supporting Martin Luther King Jr. and his work, and the American Indian Movement, with the 1973 Academy Awards, with Scheen Littlefeather refusing his award for him.
Blended in with these polarizing beliefs and opinions, the beauty of the islands allows the audience to feel like they themselves are on a tropical vacation. A bonus is that the necessary yet annoying mosquitoes are not present.
I enjoyed this film and have found myself researching The Tetiaroa Society and its other areas of activism. It is worth the price of a ticket to see on a big screen, taking a moment to escape and possibly inspiring yourself to make a few changes in how you live.
At the time of writing this piece, the MPAA rating was not available. If you have younger people under your care, it is up to you to decide if they are mature enough for the content of this film. The term hedonistic has been used as a descriptor for some of his life choices.
Director: Bill Fishman
Cast: Billy Zane, Jon Heder, Camille Razat
Selig Rating: 4 stars
Runtime: 1h 44m
Release Date: September 19, 2025
Genre(s): Drama
Trailer: Waltzing with Brando trailer