‘Oscar Wars’ and The Summer of Glen Powell | The Mitchell Report

Introducing Cinemantics' Quarterly Movie Column

Jun 10, 2024

We here at Cinemantics love a good group chat or think piece, but we’re branching out with a new format. Welcome to the Mitchell Report: Cinemantics’ quarterly movie column by yours truly.

In the Mitchell Report, you’ll get a book report, predictions, movie news, updates in my quest to check off (and finish) lists of movies, and plenty more.

I found inspiration for this column in the longtime NFL reporter Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback,” as well as on Shea Serrano and Jason Concepcion’s weekly podcast, “Six Trophies.”

I hope you enjoy!

“Lady, why are you so interested in what I read or what I do?” | What I’m Reading

I finished “Oscar Wars” by Michael Schulman a few weeks ago and it was one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read about movies. It was the perfect combination of film and history, and each chapter focused on one era/moment in Hollywood history.

I found the chapters about Frank Capra’s quest for an Oscar, the 70s counter-cultural revolution, and the Shakespeare in Love/Saving Private Ryan campaign, to be the most fascinating.

I couldn’t help but think of Bradley Cooper when reading about how much Frank Capra wanted to win an Oscar. Maybe that is the biopic Cooper should direct next, though I think he’d have better success directing a dramatization of Five Came Back. That’s another tremendous read (and documentary) focusing on five directors who helped chronicle WW2 and change the tide on the home front. I highly recommend that book as well.

“Oscar Wars” got me thinking about the next several years and how film recognition will change. We’ve seen a few changes already – as the Academy has diversified its voting bloc, international films have increased their presence (and wins!). By expanding the voters, previous award season standards seem to be going by the wayside (make-up Oscars, “they’re due for an Oscar”, etc).

Shout out to the author, Michael Schulman, for replying to my question on Reddit when the book first came out. I’d love to see the Oscar voting results, maybe a set year after the ceremony – 30 years seems like plenty of time. If I decided, it’d be 5 years after the ceremony.

It’s been announced that an Oscar category for Casting will take effect in 2026. I hope that rumblings of a Stunt Oscar will also come to fruition. Tom Cruise: Oscar Winner will be all but guaranteed when that occurs.

“I’m the King of the World!” | Glen Powell

It’s the summer of Glen Powell. Primed to take the mantle as the next big movie star, Glen Powell stars in Hit Man, an action thriller from Richard Linklater (Before Trilogy, Dazed and Confused).

The movie starts as a screwball comedy as Gary (Powell) gets thrust into action as a fake-hitman. Several outfit changes later (the Tilda Swinton look, see below, is the high point) and eventually he meets Madison (Adria Arjona), who is looking to hire him to get rid of her husband.

Netflix's Most Popular New Movie Is Getting Rave Reviews, But 'Hit Man' Is Pretty Bad

They have an instant connection, and the movie moves from screwball comedy to romantic comedy. As their relationship progresses, the movie’s tone shifts more to a noir. It’s masterfully handled due to the chemistry between Powell & Arjona (Glen Powell has chemistry with a plastic bag), but also in the direction and screenplay.

Hit Man is a movie for adults, by adults, and it’s a breath of fresh air. Richard Linklater is one of my favorite filmmakers, and this was a treat. The Golden Rule applies to spoilers, so I won’t spoil it for you (and also because it just hit Netflix on Friday, so the statute of limitations is FAR from up).

Watch it soon - it will give you plenty to think about.

Here’s a quick syllabus on Glen Powell’s top movies and where to see them:

Everybody Wants Some (Prime Video) – his first Linklater, a fun, early 80s college baseball / hang-out movie
Set It Up (Netflix) – an NYC workplace Parent-Trap style rom-com with plenty of charm
Top Gun: Maverick (Prime Video / Paramount+) – you might have heard about this little picture from 2022
Anyone But You (Netflix) – a LOOSE Shakespearean adaptation, this rom-com set in Australia was a surprise hit
Twisters – the follow-up to the 90s disaster flick Twister, coming out July 19

“You Complete Me” | The Movie List I’m Finishing

Something about me – I love a list, and I love completing a list. A to-do list, a movie ranking list, I do not discriminate. I find it helps me organize my viewing, especially with so many options at any given time.

I recently finished viewing Christopher Nolan and Wes Anderson’s feature filmographies. Some key similarities between these two are their technical craftsmanship, ensemble casts (almost a troupe at this point), and a singular point of view – it’s a reason they both have such a following.

They also operate with scale on opposing levels. Christopher Nolan exploded a real jet during the production of Tenet. Wes Anderson builds intricate worlds that are full of characters with heart in every movie he makes. Both are masters of detail, a trait evident in my next target: David Fincher.

I have 3 Fincher movies left to watch: The Game, Alien³, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It will be hard to knock Gone Girl, Zodiac, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, or The Social Network from my top 4, but I am looking forward to seeing the rest of Fincher’s films.

“Welcome to the Party, Pal.” | Watercooler Conversation Starters

Emma Stone prefers to go by Emily (her real name) - I think we can all start honoring that request.
Francesca Scorsese: Martin Scorsese’s daughter posted this TikTok with Marty and their collection of film memorabilia.
Knives Out 3 will be called Wake Up Dead Man and the casting announcements continue, joining Daniel Craig: Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers), Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla, Civil War), Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Thomas Haden Church, Mila Kunis have all been announced, and I’m sure more will be announced by the time the column posts.

“Here’s Looking At You, Kid”

Thanks for reading – I hope you enjoyed the first Mitchell Report. I would love to hear your thoughts on any books you’ve been reading or movies you are catching up on. There’s always space on my “to read” or “to watch” lists!