Insightful, poignant, and emotionally satisfying
Mike Mill is a director who loves relationships of a different kind. His films are about people who are in love, but the relationships are not just surface-level affairs. The characters in his films are complex and interesting, and the plot is often compelling.
In his latest work, 20th Century Women, he tells the story of a young teenager and the affectionate bond he has with his mother and the other women that play their part in raising him. The novel is based on his own experiences as a father and son, and it explores the challenges that come with growing up in a world where homosexuality is not accepted.
The story is about a young boy, named Aidan, and his uncle, who are given the opportunity to explore New York together. Aidan is very excited for the opportunity and is very close with his uncle. They spend a lot of time exploring the city and their relationship develops quickly. The story is very tender and well written.
Mills has a unique ability to see the human condition from close up and he brings this to his films with aplomb. His observational skills and life experiences make his films rich in detail and allow the viewer to feel as if they are right there in the room with the characters.
Johnny is a real person, and the characters in C’mon C’mon are based on him. However, I don’t think the book is autobiographical; the characters come across as real human beings with the same problems and emotions that many of us can identify with. The book tells the story of Johnny, a radio journalist who is asked by his sister Viv to watch over her son Jesse for a few days while she takes time out to visit her husband at a psychiatric facility.
It’s not long before Johnny and Jesse start to form a close bond in New York City. They bond over their love of the city and their recordings of it, and as they wander the streets together, they talk about life, its meaning, and the various thoughts that come out of young Jesse’s head.
It’s been a little over a year since the two of them first met, and they’ve already formed a strong bond. It’s clear that both Jesse and Johnny look up to each other, but their relationship has its share of challenges. For one, Johnny is clearly somebody that Jesse looks up to but while he tries his best, the melancholic Johnny can’t always relate to the fireball of a nephew that he barely knows. The occasional outbursts aside, however, the two still manage to get along despite one another’s quirks and temperaments.
The story of Jesse and Johnny is a bit one-dimensional, but it’s still a good one. The characters are well-drawn and the ending is satisfying.
While much of the film might seem inconsequential, there is still a lot going on underneath. The film chronicles life, with all of its minutiae and eccentricities, and it details the very real love that can develop between two individuals who are worlds apart in terms of age and life experiences. It’s because Phoenix and Norman are so good in their respective roles that we can believe in Johnny and Jesse’s familial relationship and there is much to enjoy as we watch them interact and get to know one another. ..
The dialogue between the two is incredibly realistic and there are times when I suspect some scenes may have been improvised. I’m not sure if they were or not, but the words that come of out of their mouths still ring with authenticity. This is probably down to Mills writing as well as the talents of the two actors but while their lines may or may not have been planned, there were definitely moments that weren’t scripted. ..
Phoenix’s work as an interviewer includes speaking with young people about their hopes and dreams. In one such interview, Phoenix spoke with a teenaged actor who was playing a part in the scene. The actor’s authenticity and warmth allowed the teen to open up to Phoenix. After seeing how Phoenix related to the teen, it is no surprise that young Woody is drawn to him. ..
This film is a beautiful and unique look at the world of New York City. The photography is excellent, and the location shooting is amazing. The soundtrack is also great, and it all together makes for a great movie experience.
If you can buy into the central relationship between Johnny and Jesse, you will fall in love with them both as well as this film. You might even shed a tear at the end when it’s finally time for them both to say goodbye and return to their respective lives. ..
In a special movie, Johnny tells Jesse that he will barely remember the trip because he will have a few blurry memories. Jesse replies in response, possibly because he knows that the memories he has made with his uncle are memories worth remembering. After watching this very special movie, you might believe the same.
