3. “The Worst Person in the World”
The latest film from director Joachim Trier, “The Worst Person in the World,” opens with one of my favorite jazz tunes, Ahmad Jamal Trio’s rendition of “I Love Music.” As the film’s protagonist, Julie, smokes a cigarette against a Norwegian skyline, we hear the piano ballad being played from the next room over. Much like Jamal’s song, “The Worst Person in the World” keeps an even pace despite its free flowing nature.
Featuring 12 tight-knit chapters, plus a prologue and epilogue, Trier echoes the narrative function of Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave classic “Vivre Sa Vie.” Throughout the film’s runtime we follow Julie, played by the effortlessly charismatic Renate Reinsve, as she searches for a steady life plan. Finding room for a surrealist acid trip and a time freezing sequence, “The Worst Person in the World” may be the first truly great rom-com of this decade.
The Oscar nominated screenplay guides the film into being one of the year’s best, allowing the stellar supporting cast to soar. Julie may be the worst person in the world, but she’s certainly the best at coming alive on screen.
2. “Titane”
In 2021, the most disturbing picture of the year is likely the most beautiful. “Titane,” the shocking, unique vision from French director Julia Ducouau, sits somewhere between grotesque and poetic. Duconuau’s sophomore work stands as a piece of Cronenberg-esque body horror, before morphing into a disturbed family drama of sorts.
At my screening, the audience often switched between screams and nervous laughter. “Titane’s” imagery is visceral; between an attempted DIY abortion and graphic car fetishization, it’s sure to startle audiences. However, if you allow yourself to be drenched in its neon pink beauty, you’ll find a poignant story of trauma, sexuality and gender identity.
Complex and surreal, Duconuau’s sophomore effort is singular. She managed to surpass her debut “Raw” in every aspect, from presentation to emotion. Balancing the absurd with the dramatic, the Palme D’Or winning masterstroke manages to provoke and inspire. Love it or hate it, you will never see another film quite like “Titane”.
1. “C’mon C’mon”
Not only is “C’mon C’mon” my most recommended film of 2021, it’s one of my all time favorite theater experiences as well. I was lucky enough to see an advance screening in LA this November and by the end I was moved to tears.
Shot on gorgeous black and white film, “C’mon C’mon” walks the line between personal and universal with the utmost elegance. Joaquin Phoenix plays Johnny, a man who is tasked with watching his Nephew during a family emergency. Along with Phoenix, newcomer Woody Norman gives one of the best child performances I’ve ever seen.
Moving between three distinct acts, we see Johnny working as an audio documentarian, tasked with interviewing the children of immigrants on their view of the future. The interviews are both profound and authentic, as Phoenix and director Mike Mills actually conducted these interviews with real non-actor children.
Mills latest effort is poignant and grounded. Beyond being an absolute joy to behold, “C’mon C’mon” is important. After years of isolation, it celebrates the joy in communication, and finds comfort within the unknown.
The author meeting Mike Mills and Woody Norman at a special screening.
