Jo Jo Rabbit January
23, 2020
When I was a kid I watched the Rocky and Bullwinkle show and
there was a segment called “Fractured
Fairy Tales”. Jo Jo Rabbit reminded me of those cartoons. The film abounds in
Nazi symbols and propaganda but they are twisted and satirized. Jo Jo is a
member of the Hitler youth (more like Ariyan day care). He truly wants to be a
good Nazi and wears a pint size uniform with the sacred knife but his skills do
not match his ardor. The other baby goose steppers make fun of him and torment
him. Jo Jo is egged on by his imaginary friend Adolf Hitler. He is Jo Jo’s
friend, cheerleader and nemesis. The actor who plays Hitler, Taika Waititi, is
also the director, cool.
This is a dark satirical film. This version of Nazism is not
a well oiled machine. Instead of one big Heil Hitler there are little HH’s
which everyone gives in turn. The Gestapo is menacing, but inept. The Gestapo
officer is played by lanky Stephen Merchant in search of Jews. Even though, this
is a satire the anti-Semitism and atrocities are cringe worthy.
Jo Jo Rabbit is played by Roman Griffin Davis, who is eleven
and started auditioning for this film when he was nine. His performance is
amazing. He has comic timing, poise and can hit the emotional mark like a
seasoned actor. Scarlett Johansson is Jo Jo’s single mother who lovingly
protects him and encourages him even with the gloom of war. Johansson’s performance in this movie
is diametrically opposed to her performance in a Marriage Story and is a testament
to her versatility.
Sam Rockwell is a treasure. There is something signature
about him. Whatever character he plays you find a bit of Rockwell. Either with his smile, twinkle in his eye or soft shoe. He is the “nice Nazi” captain who
runs the youth camp. Rebel Wilson is a brutish camp instructor. Her performance
is brief but has her trademark irreverence and sly insults delight.
Tying shoelaces is a metaphor in the movie. My interpretation
is this symbolizes love and caring. I remember the first time my son tied my
shoelaces and it is one of my most tender memories.
Jo Jo Rabbit is nominated for best picture. It is a long
shot, but if wins it deserves it unequivocally.
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