If you were a fan of mid-90s rom-coms, you probably remember the sweeping views of Italy in the 1994 film Only You. It’s a classic "destiny" story. Marisa Tomei plays Faith, a woman who flies to Venice because she's convinced her soulmate is a man named Damon Bradley. Most people remember Robert Downey Jr. and his puppy-dog eyes in this one. But honestly, Billy Zane Only You is the specific combo that often catches people off guard when they rewatch it today.
He isn't in the whole movie. Not even close. But his entrance is basically a masterclass in how to play a "distraction" character. He shows up at a pool in Positano, looking like he stepped right out of a cologne ad.
The Fake Damon Bradley Explained
Basically, Billy Zane plays a character named Harry. But for a good chunk of his screen time, he’s pretending to be Damon Bradley. It’s a total setup.
Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Peter, is so desperate to keep Faith from leaving him that he hires Harry to play the "destined" soulmate. The plan is for Harry—as Damon—to be so obnoxious and "grabby" that Faith realizes her fantasy is actually a nightmare. It’s a risky move. It’s also kinda hilarious.
Zane plays the role with this weird, heightened energy. He’s got the long, 90s-heartthrob hair and a vocabulary that feels just a little too polished. He’s the "False Damon Bradley," a title that actually appears in the credits.
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Why the Role Worked
You’ve gotta remember where Billy Zane was in his career back then. This was a few years before Titanic. He was often cast as the "hunk" or the mysterious stranger. In Only You, he leans into the parody of that.
- The Look: He’s lounging by the pool at Le Sirenuse in Positano.
- The Vibe: He’s handsome but also a bit of a dork. He snorts when he laughs.
- The Conflict: He’s the physical embodiment of Faith’s obsession with "The Name."
Watching him interact with Marisa Tomei is fascinating because the chemistry is intentionally off. You can see her trying to force herself to like him because of a Ouija board prediction from her childhood.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cameo
A lot of casual viewers forget that Zane’s character is actually American. Since the movie is set in Italy and features Joaquim de Almeida as a suave Italian businessman, people sometimes lump Zane into the "Italian lover" category. Nope. He’s just Harry, a guy Peter knows.
Another misconception? That he was the main villain. He’s not. He’s more of a comedic foil. He’s there to show Faith that a name is just a name.
The real "villain" of the story is actually the idea of predestination. Faith’s brother, Larry (played by Fisher Stevens), actually rigged the Ouija board when they were kids. The whole movie is based on a prank. When Zane shows up as the "false" version of that prank, it adds another layer of absurdity to the whole search.
The Positano Connection
The filming at Le Sirenuse is legendary among travel buffs. If you visit that hotel today, you can still find the spots where Zane and Tomei filmed their dinner date. It’s one of the most expensive and beautiful hotels in the world.
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Zane’s performance in these scenes is actually quite nuanced. He has to be attractive enough for Faith to believe he’s her soulmate, but annoying enough for her to eventually push him away. He strikes that balance perfectly. He’s a "brainless, boob-grabbing hunk," as some critics at the time put it.
Billy Zane’s 1994 Streak
1994 was a busy year for him. He was in Silence of the Hams and preparing for Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight. Seeing him in a light, Norman Jewison-directed rom-com felt like a bit of a departure.
It showed he had comedic chops. Most people think of him as Cal from Titanic—the arrogant, wealthy fiancé. But in Only You, he’s much more playful. He isn't trying to be the "bad guy." He’s just a guy doing a favor for a friend, even if that favor involves a little bit of light fraud.
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Why We Still Talk About It
The reason Billy Zane Only You searches still pop up is because the movie has become a comfort watch. It’s "light as a feather," as one critic said. In a world of gritty reboots, there’s something nice about a movie where Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei dance on the Ponte Fabriccio and Billy Zane acts like a goofball by a pool.
If you’re planning to revisit the film, pay attention to the airport scene at the end. That’s when the real Damon Bradley finally appears. He’s played by Adam LeFevre, and he looks nothing like Billy Zane. That’s the whole point. The "ideal" isn’t always what we expect.
Actionable Insights for Movie Fans:
- Check the Credits: Look for "The False Damon Bradley." It’s one of the better character descriptions in 90s cinema.
- Watch the Accents: Robert Downey Jr. does a great Gregory Peck impression in this movie. Zane, conversely, keeps it very Californian.
- The Location: If you ever go to the Amalfi Coast, visit Positano. Even if you don't stay at Le Sirenuse, the view from the street is exactly what you see in the film.
- The Director: This was directed by Norman Jewison, the same guy who did Moonstruck. You can feel that same romantic, slightly magical energy throughout.
The film serves as a reminder that Billy Zane was more than just a 90s villain. He was a versatile character actor who could steal a scene with nothing more than a snort and a pair of sunglasses.