393 – C’Mon C’Mon

On deck this week is a sentimental recent fav, Mike Mills’ beautiful black-and-white tribute to modern day youngsters and the state of mind that is “uncle.” C’Mon C’Mon casts Joaquin Phoenix as a radio journalist who takes in his sister’s kid when she has to handle the father’s mental health crisis. With Gaby Hoffman and Scoot McNairy giving great performances as the parents, the film was a gently composed gem that earned its share of ardent fans but failed to garner Oscar nominations.

This episode, we talk about Mike Mills’ emotionally expansive directorial efforts, starting with his 2005 breakthrough Thumbsucker. We also discuss Woody Norman’s surprisingly naturalistic performance, the film’s optimistic vantage on the mind of America’s youth, and how the film was one of many that struggled to gain an audience amidst the Omicron season.

Topics also include A24 in 2021, CODA as the year’s anointed movie about family, and Mills’ upcoming Criterion box set.