By Shane Conto
I feel like the cinema is always filled with such great surprises. Do you agree? 2019 continues this trend with a little film from everyone’s favorite Kiwi about a little Nazi being caught between a Jewish girl and his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler. You read that right! But at this point, Taika Waititi just creates pure gold with his quirky and unique vision. Jojo Rabbit deserves the attention it will get this awards seasons in all of the categories below.
Cinematography: Mihai Malaimare Jr.
One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the visual flair that helps create a unique and engaging experience. Malaimare does a fantastic job at creating framing that works to maximize whatever emotion that is coming across in a scene. Whether it is the striking symmetrical framing that accentuates the characters in frame or how it reveals just enough to build tension, the framing accomplishes that goal in impressive fashion. One of the most poignant scenes in the whole film only works so well because of some fluid camera movements and a perfectly framed shot. What else can you ask for from a film’s photographer? The slow-motion work is another great aspect that helps leave a greater impression from each scene. Who wouldn’t laugh watching a young boy running through the woods with a dancing Hitler next to him all in slow-motion?
Costume Design: Mayes C. Rubeo
When a film is a period piece, it is so important that it captures the outfits of the time. First off, all of the Nazi uniforms in the film are accurate and help to reinforce the tension between certain characters. Symbols can mean so much in a good and bad way and the Nazi regalia in the film does this. Not to mention Sam Rockwell’s improved garb that is quite fabulous in itself. The other side of the coin is how a wardrobe can help build up a character. Jojo’s mother, Rosie, is a special example of this. How many iconic characters can you think of purely based on their attire? Rosie is one such character. Her flashy and refined outfits reinforce the energy and personality that Johansson brings to the role. The attire also helps one of the most memorable and emotionally devasting scenes land in the most impactful way.
Editing: Tom Eagles
Isn’t this one of the most underappreciated categories of all when it comes to film? How else will all of these moving pictures come together to tell a great story? Eagles does his best to move this film along in a driving and energetic manner. Oh boy does he succeed. The pacing of the film and each scene is impressive for a film almost pushing two hours long. The cutting of frames together can be so helpful in creating emotional resonance with a scene and I can think of one explosive scene in this film that really captures that. How well the reaction shots of Jojo are cut between violence and the horrors of war help build up one of the climatic sequences towards the end of the film. Jojo’s journey to breaking his fanatism is solidified in this scene and was essential to the film. Great editing strikes again!
Adapted Screenplay: Taika Waititi
My first opportunity to gush over the work of my man, Taika Waititi! If any particular category really sticks out for a film so unique and impressive as this, it has to be the incredible writing that brings this story together. This film balances quite a bit among its scenes with a commentary on hate, the absurdity of war, and the coming of age of a young man. This all is perfectly balanced in a story that takes the audience on an emotional and unpredictable journey with our young Jojo. Have we seen hundreds of WWII films in the past? Yes. Have we seen one that is able to be so clever and hilarious along the way? I would think not. One might argue that a humorous take on such awful things is not appropriate. I would disagree especially when the satire is so impressively written in the unique voice of Taika Waititi.
Supporting Actor: Taika Waititi & Sam Rockwell
What a duo of satisfyingly hilarious performances we have here! Taika Waititi brings his unique sensibilities and humor to Adolf Hitler (and it is still so strange to say) in the most unexpected and wonderful way. This imaginary Hitler is a fool with a bit of childish temper and Waititi is able to find the laughs along the way. This performance may be overlooked due to its purely comedic approach but that would surely be a shame if it did. Waititi gives a performance that is so unexpected (at least for those unfamiliar with his previous work) as he delivers laughs through material that is shocking that it can be so funny. The same can be said about Sam Rockwell’s performance as well. But who is really surprised that Rockwell has delivered yet another awards caliber performance? Not this reviewer. What is the shocking part of this performance though? That would have to be the nuance and layers shown by this character. Based on the trailers, I expected a one note joke of Captain Klenzendorf. But why would Rockwell waste his talents on such a flat character? Well he didn’t and that is such a great relief for this film. Rockwell shares some impressive moments especially with his final interactions with Jojo. Endearing and funny, Rockwell delivers yet again.
Supporting Actress: Scarlett Johansson & Thomasin McKenzie
The emotional anchors of this wonderful little film lie in the hands of these two wonderful actresses. Some of the most heartfelt moments in the film are shared between the quirky and lively Rosie, played with perfection by Scarlett Johansson, and the tough yet vulnerable Elsa, played with great commitment from the young and talented Thomasin McKenzie. Johansson gives her best performance of her career (in my humble opinion) as she displays great energy and emotion in every movement and line she delivers. Rosie is so charming that it is hard not to love Johansson throughout the film. She really captures the opposing views of humanity amongst one of our worst moments as a species. The sass is heavy and the love is palpable throughout her performance. There is a strength that is so admirable. Who wouldn’t want to get up and dance with Rosie when Johansson is being so charming and irresistible? McKenzie on the other hand gives such a brave performance. There are moments when Elsa is so strong and intimidating to Jojo but it is so impressive because this young actress really makes it work. There are other moments that are so tender and beautiful like the ones when you can see her admiration shine through for Rosie. Those moments are endearing and impactful. I loved every moment of her performance.
Actor: Roman Griffin Davis
The streak of getting amazing performances out of young actors continues for Waititi. Roman Griffin Davis is a revelation in his role as Jojo as he packs so much into his little performance. Whether it is his sparing matches with his mother based on ideological differences or moments of terror, Griffin Davis sells it all. The early moments of Jojo’s relationship with Elsa consist of some fear and hesitation which are sold so well. Those moments later in the film where Jojo is confronted by the horrors of the world around him are just as impactful as he sells the realizations so well. Griffin Davis really embodies the more mature moments in the film as well when he goes toe to toe with snarky remarks with his mother. Their relationship is complex but can be so endearing and loving as well. Are the chances for Roman getting any real awards recognition great? Not really at all but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve to be a part of the conversation!
Director: Taika Waititi
I hope you are ready for more praise coming Waititi’s way. I have not seen a film in a long time that is able to balance laugh out loud humor and such serious subject matter. Waititi walks this tightrope so well as I laughed throughout the film yet received one of the biggest emotional gut punches on the year. The tension is real as well in multiple scenes including Jojo’s discovery of Elsa and an unwelcomed visit by an equally funny and intimidating Stephen Merchant. Jojo Rabbit proves that Waititi can balance the humor and pathos of a great story. The message is meaningful and is delivered in the unique voice of its director. Not to mention the wonderful performances that he gets out of his talented young actors. Griffin Davis and McKenzie are met by a charming and lovable performance from Archie Yates (must see him in more films!). Not to mention a career best one from Johansson. Great directing all around from New Zealand’s greatest export.
Best Picture: Taika Waititi & Co
There are great performances across the board from the young cast to the veteran actors. A powerful story with great meaning and messages anchors the experience. A wonderful range of emotions from hilarious fun to emotionally devasting moments gives great life to this film. What else can I say? Jojo Rabbit is a special kind of film.