Jim Hosking isn’t there yet

I’m going to have to address the elephant in the room. Jim Hosking’s films are very much reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s films.

Both filmmakers are very interested in socially awkward characters (I’d like to think them as emotionally naive) and them finding love in their own unique ways, which is filmmaker’s way of saying there is nothing wrong with being different and love comes in all shapes and sizes.

Their films are both stylistically elevated. Acted theatrically or in a larger than life way.

It’s obvious.

But why… why Hosking isn’t quite there yet with what he wants to do?

The main reason is Anderson’s films have a certain artistic and emotional nakedness to them. These films, like the characters they involve, are a little bit naive. A little bit awkward. That works wonderfully when coupled with Anderson’s artistic sensibilities. He knows how to put a film together and incite a certain emotion.

Hosking’s films, while similarly interested about emotionally naive characters, the films themselves are not naive at all. They feel distant. Jokey. Funny at characters’ expense. Hosking doesn’t understand quirky characters doesn’t make automatically human characters. It’s the film equivalent of a person who wants to be the smartest in the room. Tries way too much.

Hosking’s films look from above to their characters. First act of his films are usually an introduction to how quirky his characters are. The more quirky they are, more relaxed Hosking becomes when it comes to trying to make them actually interesting. They end up becoming empty shells.

Hosking’s films’ third act demands emotional connection to these empty shells as they loose their understanding of love and regain it by redefining it.

Hosking seems to have a surface level understanding of how films work. Yes his films are visually interesting, somewhat different. But what is lacking is Hosking’s willingness to get naked in front of us. He seems to hide behind his style whereas Anderson’s style sets him free.

Anderson’s films are like a child’s drawings where he puts his heart and soul without any hesitation and shows it proudly. Hosking’s films are like a angsty teenager thinking his work is too good for you.

Without honesty, there will never be the heart Hosking is trying so hard to imitate in his films.