No. 12 (2022) C'MON C'MON Feb. 10th.

 

Film No. 12 (2022)  February 11th.  6:30 PM  PALACE Cinema 4,  Raine Square,  Perth City.

 

"Over the years, you will try to make sense of that happy, sad, full, empty, always shifting life of yours."(Johnny reads from a book he and his nephew Jessie often share with one another as they while away time).

Sometimes the most layered and thoughtful films convey the simplest message. C'MON C'MON is a sweet film that works the same way a can opener lifts the lid on a can of contents busting to be exposed; full of wholesome goodness and aromas. This is a coming of age, road-trip film so unlike others, it's hard to believe it could be as good as those that precede it.

After seeing the excellent BEGINNERS eleven years ago I remember thinking director Mike Mills knew how to bring a beating heart to a film. I didn't expect it would take this long to experience his brilliance again. I must say it has been well worth the wait. 

Once again Mills takes us into family. A family crisis requires Viv (Gaby Hoffman) to focus on caring for her mentally ill husband (and father to Jesse) Paul (Scoot McNairy). Viv needs her brother Johnny(Joaquin Phoenix)to take responsibility for Jesse (Woody Norman). Johnny and nine year old  Jesse  are forced to connect meaningfully. Days into the arrangement, Johnny is called to New York and Viv reluctantly gives permission for Jesse to go. From here the film blooms. 

Johnny has audio recording gear at the ready at all times. It's his job; he records the voices of young people. They talk about their life aspirations and observations. These short scenes are woven throughout C'MON C'MON. These grabs, interspersed with the scenes of Johnny and Jesse forming a tender friendship, give us a truly optimistic view of the future. It's invigorating and thoughtful film-making. 

If this sounds a little too experimental for your tastes, go anyway. The performance of Woody Norman as Jesse alone will make it worth your while. Norman is English, he was nine during filming (now eleven) and he pulls off an authentic American accent. You may be witnessing the next big inter-generational star. If you have a son or daughter around the age of Jesse (or older) who loves film, they'll likely get much from C'MON C'MON.  11GUMS.