Mr. Corman Review: Good Luck (Season 1 Episode 1)
Mr. Corman is a melancholy look into the world of a fifth grade teacher who begins to confront the dissatisfaction within himself and the directionless path his life is taking.
Season 1 Episode 1, “Good Luck,” is kind of a bummer, but an introspective bummer which can make for entertaining viewing depending on your frame of mind.
There’s a slow, meandering way about it; a pace that could easily be described as boring if Joseph Gordon-Levitt wasn’t as talented as he is. Gordon-Levitt is not only the creator of Mr. Corman, but writes, directs, and stars in it as well.
It’s a passion project, for sure.
Luckily, it’s not overindulgent in that regard, and he’s definitely not lacking in experience. His feature film debut, Don Jon, which he also wrote, directed, and starred in, was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Gordon-Levitt likes to play with visual storytelling. It is rather subtle throughout the episode, and then towards the end, we are thrust into a dreamlike sequence which is not subtle at all.
It is promising that he doesn’t have a heavy hand with the vague, trippy visuals for this first episode. One is kind of eased in by the portrayal of this pretty normal yet pretty drab existence. The astral flight of fancy his unsatisfied date sends him on is a brilliant way to depict anxious thoughts that also leaves us wanting more.
One can’t help but recall the scene in 500 Days of Summer with Gordon-Levitt’s character dancing happily down the street with cartoon birds because he is so in love. Josh Corman similarly embodies that sad but amiable, nice-guy charm of another of Gordon-Levitt’s characters: Adam in 50/50.
His portrayal of Josh is not a carbon copy of his past characters, by any means; he is wholly unique, but with intriguing characteristics that reveal themselves naturally as you get acquainted with him.
While Gordon-Levitt does a lot on Mr. Corman, the supporting cast adds emotional layers and impressive authenticity.
Debra Winger is great casting as Josh’s mom. I really would like to know more about her. Emily Tremaine as Lindsey, Josh’s unsuccessful hook-up, is incredibly believable as an East Coast transplant living in LA.
Arturo Castro really plays the trustworthy roommate well. On Broad City, he was Ilana’s precious roomie, Jaime, who is quite different from Victor on Mr. Corman. There is something about him being Josh’s friend and roommate that is oddly comforting.
Mr. Corman is a very basic premise but unlike anything else on TV. There is loads of potential here. Hopefully, it takes the distinctive building blocks from this first episode and expands on them.
Without this subtle nuance, artistic flare, and cinematic creativeness, the show could become just the story of some unhappy white guy, and nobody wants that.
Extra Credit:
- I’m getting a lot of Election vibes.
- This stare-down from his student over Sacagawea and sexist language is fantastic. He seems a little afraid of her, and I think he should be.
- “Most grownups aren’t that different from ten and eleven-year-olds.”
What did you think of this episode of Mr. Corman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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New episodes of Mr. Corman stream Fridays on AppleTV+.
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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.