Joe Swanberg crafts a happier, briefer John Cassavettes film. This one really called out his influence, from the naturalistic camera, shot on beautiful, grainy film, to a protagonist writhing around in shit-storms of their own creation. Jake Johnson’s face steals the show, as always. The mania and agony he physically embodies is a joy to watch. Win It All is a one man show for Johnson, who co-wrote the film with Swanberg. This is their third collaboration, the first being the equally great Drinking Buddies (also on Netflix). I really dig these kinds of movies and hope Netflix and Amazon continue to allow a place for more like them. I’m excited to see what this duo does next, both separately and collaboratively.
If you’re interested in Cassavettes, check out The Killing of a Chinese Bookie and A Woman Under the Influence. His quotes on life and filmmaking might be even more interesting than his movies though. He’s a fascinating individual who lived an authentic life.