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John Cameron Mitchell’s Shortlist




Published on January 31, 2011

Filmmaker and Actor John Cameron Mitchell

The Shortlist article series is your opportunity to learn about the films that inspire intellectual, artistic and activist leaders—leaders like John Cameron Mitchell. We asked John to share his favorite films and his thoughts on the power documentaries have to change the world.  We even got a video interview out of it!

Who is John Cameron Mitchell?
After studying at Northwestern University, John Cameron Mitchell began his career as an actor and continued with his passion for writing.  His earlier work was in theater and television; he didn’t begin his directing career until 2001.

Mitchell’s directorial debut was Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a musical about a transsexual rock star with hopes to claim her fame while touring the US.  She follows her ex-boyfriend/band mate who is now famous because he stole her song.  The film explores the depth of minorities and evokes emotion through song.  Hedwig and the Angry Inch won numerous awards at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. 

In 2006, Shortbus was released.  The film explores the romanticism of sex in bohemian New York.  Though the film shows explicit sex scenes, Mitchell wanted to create a film that would portray the depth of sex in a non-aggressive and non-pornographic way.  Sex is explored as an emotion and a metaphor that mirrors other parts of human life. 

Mitchell’s latest project, Rabbit Hole, is adapted from the play by David Lindsay-Abaire. The film focuses on a couple, played by Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, whose world is turned upside down after their son dies in an accident. The film has just been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Mitchell has also been involved with small projects including directing the new Dior ad campaign featuring Marion Cotillard. He was also an executive producer for the autobiographical documentary film Tarnation.

John Cameron Mitchell Interview

So what films make John’s shortlist? Watch the video and check out the YouTube links to find out.


View on YouTube

The Times of Harvey Milk

I remember THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK really blowing me away.  In 1985 when I was coming out as gay, it was very powerful to see this hero and the effect that he had on the community.  There was not a lot of queer history so it was great to see this important figure.  He had such an impact and the common goal of getting along with your fellow men.



View on YouTube

Gimme Shelter

This Maysles brothers documentary is about the Stones’ tour in 1969 and their concert in Altamont.  It touches on the chaos of the late 60s, John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and the early 70s. It focuses on the narcissism instead of the hope for change.  In the end of the film it shows you how love conquers all.

 



View on YouTube

Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer

This amazing musical documentary is about the first female white jazz singer, the only one who was considered great.  She was around the time that Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald came about and never had the fame that they did.  But despite her rough life (she was a junkie), Anita seems to outshine all of her colleagues.  This film coincides with another film called Jazz in the Summer Day about the Newport Jazz Festival.  I actually met her later in her life and even used some of her songs on Shortbus. 

 



View on YouTube

Etre et Avoir
This film is about a one-room classroom in rural France with students ages 4 to 11. One teacher educates them all.  The teacher is amazing and becomes more of a parental figure.  The film is very moving and shows how teachers are the ones who can change our lives.


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This is a great article. I adore John Cameron Mitchell and I especially especially Hedwig and the Angry Inch! Kudos MediaRights for nabbing this shortlist!

Posted on 2011 01 31 by austra