Caught between two lives

In “C’mon C’mon,” a monochromatic palette visually ties in the film’s underlying themes as it explores personal connections and self-discovery. Its workaholic main character, Johnny ( Joaquin Phoenix), reenters the lives of his sister and nephew under unusual circumstances. Early on, cinematographer Robbie Ryan subliminally signals Johnny’s state of mind and foreshadows his future in a reflective moment riding an elevator. Director Mike Mills “loved the idea of this elevator being something quite magical in its everyday way,” says Ryan. “Those outside elevators where you can watch yourself rise up bring out a childlike wonderment. For us, it acts as a great motif for where Johnny is at in the film … traveling but imprisoned in his job, which keeps him away from his family.”