loved the movie so much. i also grew up in mass so it was a lil exrta comforting for me. really proud of you for what you're doing this year even tho it is sad to have less silly small stuff(thankfully i only found out about goodlongpee recently so thats tided me over so far) cheers!
Turning Caleb into an emotionally relatable character compared to a comedically relatable character was a great introspective of a character that has a side we never saw. The arc between Kevin and Caleb towards the end got me a bit emotional. Reminds me of a friendship I had in late high school
Joel, as the self-proclaimed viewer/fan representative, I would like to speak for everyone by saying we are here for your insaneo style artist mode. And we will be here next year for whatever it is you decide to do, regardless of your YT algo status. Much love, All your famns (aka family of fans)
Thanks for making this, Joel. I'm going to ramble a bit, myself. First, the pacing felt like Kevin Smith's early (& best) work. Caleb's Journey is tragic like erosion. No shootouts or car crashes. Rather a decline towards an unbearable condition that many people can identify with. Many of us are some part Caleb, or we have gone through Caleb patches, or have been close to someone with Caleb tendencies and circumstances. So this resonates. And yet Caleb is hopeful. The movie is painfully uplifting and human, even through the seasoning of silliness. The pettiest of Caleb's crimes is his self-dishonesty, which is necessary for his self-preservation. There is a lot of love available to Caleb, but not on the terms he prefers. It's beautiful that the resolution is simply acceptance. It's a lesson we can all learn from. You are doing something important.
"The Hero's Journey aka My Life aka The Caleb Johnston Story (I'm Caleb)" Was seriously hard to watch sometimes as someone who can relate and connect to the desperate attempt at wanting to reach out and reclaim some lost passions or memories or anything of the sort, while also self sabotaging for whatever reason be it not thinking he deserves it or that the world around him doesn't want him as much as he thinks. I'm glad the ending finished the way it did, we all need to just be back in familiarity sometimes to reset, we can truly underestimate how a lot of the moments we have with people have a lot more intent and selflessness when it comes to just straight up connecting and actively listening than we realize. Can't wait for the next one, a brilliant start on your movie makings!!!!!!!!
I learned through this movie that Caleb shares about 99% of my interests from when I was 17, we would have gotten along well back then. Now though I'd probably be hiding all my granola bars if he came to hang out.
So, that movie kind of emotionally devastated me just a little bit. I kept thinking "oh god how the hell are we gonna get a happy ending out of this because FUCK I need a happy ending after this". I loved how it wrapped up. His old friend Jack made me profoundly sad.
probably joels best movie, he said he wanted to make something grounded but to me it felt very dreamy. I would put this on at 3 am and coast. the scene w debbie is very moving
Hey Joel! Loved the film. While I appreciate the movie poster-style thumbnail from an artistic standpoint, have you thought about changing your thumbnail style for these feature films? I feel like they might reach a larger audience if you have something else. Just my two cents. If you look at other feature films on RUclips, even short films, they typically have a still image, then the title, and maybe an award or something on the thumbnail. I feel like you could do a lot with these and believe the sky is the limit. I want nothing but success for you this year as I've been a huge fan for years and feel like that would help. Anyways, always down to chat if you ever want to brainstorm with a fellow creator. Keep it up man! Excited to see the next one!
Personally I think the movie posters look great and make them stand out from normal thumbnails. I can’t really think of anything better of a thumbnail that clearly tells you “this is a feature film”. Of course I don’t do RUclips so I can’t comment on how well they make the videos do, but at least for me they draw me in pretty well, especially this latest one.
Hey Zackary! I’ve definitely considered this in the past, but ultimately I like how it looks as a catalog. I want to give the people the feeling that they’re browsing movies when they go to my features, ideally I hope RUclips allows you to tag uploads as such someday and they create a whole app or tab to browse creator made movies where they are represented by just the poster. With that said, you’re right that a typical thumbnail would see more clicks, but I think it could run the risk of them being a lot of hollow clicks from people who might click on not knowing it’s a full length movie and then backing out. But it could also surprise some people and get them to try something they otherwise wouldn’t. For the time being I’m going to keep trying this poster approach to help them stand out from a normal upload and maybe come movie 7 this year people will catch on and be looking out for them hahah, who knows!
@@joeltalksaboutmovies I completely understand your perspective and that makes sense! No worries, I think it looks great I just figured I'd mention it. I'm all about feedback and transparency on here haha. Nevertheless, I think your 12 month plan is destined for greatness! Cannot wait to see what comes next!
Let's get a classic Joel and Trent video in movie form going. Love your stuff Joel! Can't wait to see the movie! Keep up the excellent work, everyone! I love you guys. I love movies. Bye bye.
The Hero's Journey aka My Life aka The Caleb Johnson Story (I'm Caleb) is a great movie! I watched it like an hour ago. I think the story and the actors too were great in The Hero's Journey aka My Life aka The Caleb Johnson Story (I'm Caleb). Can't wait for the other movies!
You absolutely killed it! The comedy was top-notch, the acting was completely believable, and the characters felt so dimensional and real. I laughed, I cried. It really struck a chord with me and I will definitely be coming back to watch it again soon.
Thanks for the heads up! Engagement on the movie will probably be strange for RUclips’s algorithm and they probably won’t push them much, I’ll try my best to get videos and posts up to clue people into their release.
That movie was legit my little brother. He just can't quite find his way out of our home town or my parents house. He's a good kid but he's just lost with no friends really around anymore. Great introspection into today's young generations and the difficulty in transitioning into adulthood. Loved it. Loved the pacing. I love slow movies about nothing.
It was an incredible movie, I knew you had done the Caleb character before but I think this stands on its own well. I was especially impressed with the acting of everyone else in the movie. I know you're committed obviously but everyone else did a stellar job too. I think there's a lot of nuance to a lot of the performances.
loved the movie, had so many funny and touching moments that really came together to create a powerful story. i cried at the sad bit in cars 2 so maybe i'm not the best gage but really pulled at my heart strings and washed out the ol' tear ducts. would love to hear you talk about how you work with people because you always get such amazing performances from your cast, the overheard phone call scene was so well acted - she brought her character alive in such a human and genuine way.
Joel the speed of which you work is crazy. It's really inspiring me to also make a movie. I want to give my best in making the best animated feature length film ever and I hope that you'll get to see it.
I thought the Caleb character had sort of run his course before watching the film- it runs the risk of being the same joke every time. He's naieve and still mentally in highschool and his friends are increasingly outgrowing him, same old same old. After seeing it though, it's remarkable how a few twists change him from being the butt of the joke to a Greek Tragic Hero. I can't express how cathartic it was to see him just come home and have a nice talk with his mum. I really hope you do another Caleb film at some point man, he's gotta catch up to his friends eventually. We all do, even if it takes our entire lives!
This was the perfect film to start with Joel. I’ve been dying to see Caleb’s return, and it was wonderful to see all the old Massachusetts cast back in action as well. Can’t wait for the next one
The film was really, really well made. It didn't feel slow at all. The shots where Caleb's camera turned into the actual memories was so, so cool! I haven't seen it done that way before. This felt as emotionally deep as a few of your other films and it always amazes me how you craft these small intimate moments that express such deep sadness and love sometimes with just once sentence. It also felt like there were callbacks to Island and that was really cool to see. 🙂 Crazy impressive start to the year of films!
I thought I was going to write a long comment under the film or a long review on Letterboxd, but until now it’s been hard to articulate the way that Hero’s Journey has sat with me over the last 12+ hours. I think sometimes I can be so close to a work of art that I can deeply relate to it but also almost feel numb about it? Like I watched Inside Llewyn Davis a couple weeks ago and was reading through people’s reviews saying it was making them depressed, and I kept thinking to myself that it kinda just felt like looking in the mirror and saying “yeah I guess that’s a part of who I am right now” and moving on. Like it really stuck with me but it also made me feel like I was just revisiting stuff I already knew. Sometimes the art that really gets to me emotionally is something with a little bit more distance between me and the characters or the story. I think it can allow me to feel like I’m discovering a character’s world from the beginning rather than starting half way through and somehow already being familiar with their world. Those are the kinds of films that tend to make me cry and wonder what exactly it is that I’m even crying about. But something that Hero’s Journey does really well for me (as a lot of your work does) is blend those two things together. Caleb simultaneously feels close and distant to me. Sometimes it feels like he’s in a box that keeps he and I from getting too close, and sometimes it feels like he IS me. The trip to the Motel 6 feels like a situation I would never find myself in and also it also feels like every day of my life. Maybe I’m Kevin in the world’s eyes and Caleb in my own. Maybe I allow myself to pretend that I’m convinced that it’s my own birthday in an attempt to fix everything I’ve messed up. Maybe I’m simultaneously Caleb’s mom boxing up memories and Caleb sneaking in the house to get them back. Maybe I too and telling the world that the fruit flavored Arizonas of my life are healthy. Maybe I’m telling people that I’m not happy but feel like I will be soon, and maybe I just need to get used to having boring days. I had an uncle whose life seemed to be somewhere between Jack’s and Caleb’s and watching this film made me feel both closer and more distant from him. All that to say, this is a beautiful film and you’ve once again created something that seeps way deeper into my soul than I was expecting. This makes me want to watch Forget About Everything For A While for the third time, and We Are Sasquatch for the first time and rewatch the video about the couple that still hangs out at the local playground. It makes me want to check in on my friends and check in on myself and go hang out with my sister and niece and take more pictures and sing more songs. Thank you Joel. I’m very excited for the next 11.
Can't wait to see these videos after every movie. (Especially the more technical video yet to release for this one -- really, really cool to do!) Seriously respect the dedication to making a feature film each month. Excited to see which ones come next.
Joel, I first discovered your work through Pretend That You Love Me in 2020, which remains one of my favorites, with its unique mixture of deadpan humor and bittersweet exploration of relationships. I find your work stark and iconoclastic, no-budget in the best possible way. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I was reminded of my own forays into filmmaking when I was younger, and of other spartan independent films (think: Ingmar Bergman's Scenes From A Marriage or Jon Jost's All The Vermeers in New York or Aki Kaurismäki's Drifting Clouds). In my opinion, you're one of the most under-recognized filmmakers active today, continuing to make quirky yet remarkable films with excellent staging, storyboarding, cinematography, and editing on a shoestring budget. Your latest effort to make a series of 12 feature length films in the next twelve months (a la Fassbinder) holds a lot of promise, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes out of this! The first in the series brings back familiar faces in a film that re-visits a familiar character - a nice slow start. While I personally enjoyed the film, it has clear limitations, suffering from many of same troubles that any feature-length film based on characters from 30-minute TV series does. In addition, it goes without saying that the severe constraints of completing the entire production of the film within a month necessarily leave their mark on the finished product. I actually find it quire impressive that the structure of the film with its multiple story arcs, foreshadowing, and deus-ex-machina ending all with comedic overtones nevertheless yield an interesting if lighthearted character study.
Fantastic movie. It brings to my mind - like so much of my favourite art - that E.M. Forster quote "Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted."
I really enjoyed the film! It's the perfect mixture of melancholy, comedy and reality, with a sprinkling of hope, and it's really fleshed out Caleb from a funny stereotype to a very believable person we can sympathise with. Thanks Joel and everyone else who was in this film for all the effort and talent you put into it! The fact that this was made in (less than) a month, on an affordable budget and is entirely free to watch while also being an excellent film is just incredible. Hopefully this project will show more people what can be done with very little!
I loved the movie, and I agree with you that it didn't feel like it was made within the confines of this incredibly ambitious project you've embarked on. Well done!
You're so amazing Joel. I wish more people in my film program at UVU understood why you're a bigger inspiration to me than like Spielberg or Scorsese or whatever. What you've been able to produce and they way you've done it has taught me like more than I've learned at a university. You've helped me understand what it really means to be a filmmaker and what films can do for an audience. Big budget super scripted over complicated movies just haven't given me the same experience that your films do. Thank you Joel! So excited to see the rest of the films!
Joel, that first one was superb mate! What a wonderfully comedic yet charmingly beautiful film! Looking forward to the next one! I, as an artist myself, appreciate you following your passion and subverting expectations. Always follow your passions! Til the next one! Cheers!
A truly unique experience that deserves attention! I had a genuine pit in my throat for most of the film. The unfrilly nature of it makes it feel all the more desperate for Caleb, which really struck me. It made me think about what exactly all the frills of a movie-theater film does, its like an FDA seal of approval, that you know what you'll see has been painfully engineered to go down smooth. This film was anything but that, and it made me push through... I was not expecting to even consider watching it a second time ~
I would love to hear in these videos a thing or two of what you learned while creating the movies! Or a big video of all of the things at the end of the year? Excited to watch the first of twelve!
I loved the movie, one detail I feel was intentional but wasn’t sure was the obscuring of Stacey from the audience, brief glimpses, like Caleb’s memories, very similar to how we remember things. This movie really makes you FEEL like Caleb if you know what I’m saying :)
I just had a chance to watch the movie today, Joel! While I'm sure you're as busy as ever doing this (and supporting your friends by appearing in their work as well), I'm glad you're taking the time to focus on it without the distraction of satisfying the algorithm and releasing your weekly short. I look forward to the next 11, as well as your video statement/budget breakdowns!
Here I wanna say, the hero’s journey is one of your best film ever (for me at least), the emotions were super well hit, Caleb is now one of the greatest character in my opinion. I also really loved the ending, how Caleb re-sort his relationships or getting it right was great as well. Now, this film might be in my top 100.
Congrats, Joel! I've been making a short animation with a friend, and we're 5 minutes into our 20 minute script! Making stuff is hard! Just wanted to say hi, and thanks for inspiring people to make stuff!
Something I've always appreciated about your films is the restraint to use music. In a lot of bigger films now, silence is treated as emphasis and even calmer scenes have some kind of background music. This often feels less like an artistic choice and more like a crutch, so studios don't have to depend on actors to convey emotion or audiences to interoperate. But with your stuff, music tends to be the emphasis and silence is natural, letting subtle emotion come naturally without some musical cue. Also, I liked when you did a pee and got caught
I really loved the movie Joel, very excited for the next 11. You're a big inspiration, I'm not a filmmaker, but I am an artist and a lot of what you say resonates with me regardless of medium. I can't wait to see what you come up with, what different flavors we'll get. I'm holding out hope one ends up being a horror movie, or at least a little spooky, maybe an idea for October.
As a longtime fan and admirer of you Joel, I promise to watch every movie before the next one comes out. I’m glad you aren’t giving in to the lack of award RUclips gives to creativity and just making what you want to make. It’s very inspiring ❤️
Really enjoyed the movie! It was at such a good pace and i found myself fascinated with the scenes that you were able to keep going with different framing thanks to the digital zoom. So fun to watch and experience
Finally got around to watching the first film of the year, and man, that was fantastic. Really looking forward to the rest of your films coming throughout the year.
I did really enjoy the film! Caleb was a very interesting character to watch and I liked to see his conflicts with the other people in his life. I liked how the film was shot and you and all your friends gave very good performances. As you make more films this year I think it could be interesting to switch up styles a bit more, maybe an entire film in your black and white old timey style, and although this might be a bit more challenging I'd love to see one that is fully rotoscoped, though I'd imagine that'd be a bit more time consuming.
So excited to be along for this wild ride! Thank you for inspiring me to make my first short film, although I am still figuring out how to go about it (I don't even own a camera at the moment.) I have been needing a creative outlet for a while and I feel so fortunate to have found your movies when I did. You are the only person I have ever felt it to be worthwhile supporting on Patreon. Hopefully one day you'll respond to my messages lol :D Edit: I am joking. I understand that Joel is crazy busy right now, and I do not feel owed nor expect a response on Patreon XD
Loved the movie! There are few people who can tell such sad, funny & relatable stories in a way that many viewers can project their own experience, thoughts and perhabs even fears on them... Thank u for this great experience! :')
Hey Joel, loved the moie - and just wanted to say thanks for how much work you put into inspiring and supporting other creative folks. I regularly turn to your channel when I'm struggling to create or sit down and do the work, and I always leave motivated. Excited to see the next film!
I watched this video again after watching the movie just now. I really sympathised with Kaleb and needed to hear you Joel talking just to remind myself Kaleb is just a character. Great work Joel!
Art era, the eras tour we've been waiting for. Would absolutely love more of these companion videos with insight into the process and even some touches of BTS (algorithm loves those at least right??). I think and hope Caleb will outperform algorithm expectations.
The movie was amazing! It felt like a dark mirror to me and so it was a pretty dark journey for me. Kind of a fever dream but it was a fantastic and really therapeutic watch.
Can't wait to see the next 11! This first one was hard for me to watch, because the protagonist was such a tragic figure. I kept on waiting for something good to happen to him. But one scene after another he just made me sad. Good job on creating a real character, and love all the cool shots you got. Would love to see some behind the scenes shots. And how you developed this idea in to a feature film in such short time. I think I watched it in the wrong mood. I was feeling so bad for him...... Freezing and hungry and alone. Bummer.
Less gooo! I loved the film Joel! This definitely feels very different to your previous work. Its hilarious yet there is so much depth to the characters!
Super excited to see Caleb get his own feature, your video "Confronting My Middle School Bully" was always one of my favorites from you. I love how much thought you out into this character over the years, he was a huge influence when I created the main character for my last film. Can't wait to see what else you come up with for the rest of the year - I''m hoping for some experimental weirdness!
And it was incredible. I loved the journey Caleb went through. It really struck a chord with me as a fellow minimum wage worker hopeful about my future.
Thanks for the insights Joel, excited to see the movie ~this month~! I want to watch them as they come throughout the year and not wait too long. I wonder if making teasers for the movies might bring some of the engagement up, something short saying "it's coming" or something? If it's short people would watch it out of curiosity and more might get to engage with the complete film once it's out.
Good luck Joel! Looking forward to watching them! One of my favorites (and 1st feature I watched of yours) is "I'm Going To Be Famous - The Movie"! Your shorts are amazing, but the style and characters of your features are superb! You should have a BTS documentary crew follow this 12 feature endeavor!
Im so excited to watch these. Pretend that you love me and Drowning in Potential are really impactful films so illm excited to see your growth! Inspiring stuff
yo joel i wasnt expecting to watch it all the way through (because i was getting ready for work) but i found myself continually watching it throughout the day and finished it! i think the framing of the shots and the storytelling is really polished, which is awesome that you were able to do that with caleb, someone who seemed like a comic relief character in some of your vids! i cant wait til your next film!!!
Hey!! I really, really liked this movie. It was the first feature from you that I watched all the way through- I was absolutely captivated, I had to finish it off even if it was a tough watch here and there. Had a lot of those elements that made Breaking Bad a really unique show, like those painful moments where you want to beg the character to make better choices, but unlike that one, this movie resolves in a really natural and honestly satisfying way. I don't think I've ever had a movie turn a mirror on me like this one did, I definitely went through a Caleb phase and it's a terrifying phase of life, especially now! I don't think I ever gave myself credit for making it out of it, I really appreciate this movie for having me confront it, and I'm glad I was able to connect with it. Looking forward to the next one!
(bit of a criticism comment here) I liked the movie but idk, I think it could've been better. I like Caleb stories a lot. I watched all of your videos about Caleb multiple times and I really like the guy, he resonates with me personally. And I think the caleb series has potential. People can relate to Caleb, and the setting and characters are also good. But this movie really felt like a bummer. (I felt that in the Elden ring stream too, but this time a bit more.) First of all, i felt like it was too long. I think you intended the pacing to be a bit slow, but you know, it was kinda dragging for me. And the story felt disorganized. It had a few good moments, but as in whole it feels untidy. If that's what you intended because Caleb would be bad at making a movie, then it's... OK i guess. But personally I don't think being in character is more important than the quality of the whole movie. Finally I don't think Caleb really grows as a character. He always says he'll change, but he comes back to the status quo every time. And I know it is kinda in character for him to be like that but it feels really unsatisfying as a viewer. Of course Caleb is a very passive character and he's not the type to develop very fast, but anyway it felt like Caleb from the beginning of the series and Caleb right now is pretty much the same. Like, in terms of his situation, there WAS a lot of changes, but internally I don't really see it. I hope you are not offended by this comment. I liked this, and I've always liked your movies and your shorts too. I hope Caleb gets a nice conclusion to his character arc someday. And I hope to see more of him sometime in the future. Thanks for the making this film, and I really look forward to see the next movie come out. Love from your fan from Korea.
I misspoke at the end! I said “1 Down, 12 to Go” but it’s 11!!!!!! I ain’t doing 13 to my knowledge!
Leap year, son! You have to do one for Leap Month!
aw I got excited
Secret 13th movie confirmed
loved the movie so much. i also grew up in mass so it was a lil exrta comforting for me. really proud of you for what you're doing this year even tho it is sad to have less silly small stuff(thankfully i only found out about goodlongpee recently so thats tided me over so far) cheers!
You're still technically right, since you'll probably do an Oscars movie again
Turning Caleb into an emotionally relatable character compared to a comedically relatable character was a great introspective of a character that has a side we never saw. The arc between Kevin and Caleb towards the end got me a bit emotional.
Reminds me of a friendship I had in late high school
Caleb deserved a feature film
Joel, as the self-proclaimed viewer/fan representative, I would like to speak for everyone by saying we are here for your insaneo style artist mode. And we will be here next year for whatever it is you decide to do, regardless of your YT algo status.
Much love,
All your famns (aka family of fans)
Thanks for making this, Joel. I'm going to ramble a bit, myself.
First, the pacing felt like Kevin Smith's early (& best) work.
Caleb's Journey is tragic like erosion. No shootouts or car crashes. Rather a decline towards an unbearable condition that many people can identify with. Many of us are some part Caleb, or we have gone through Caleb patches, or have been close to someone with Caleb tendencies and circumstances. So this resonates.
And yet Caleb is hopeful. The movie is painfully uplifting and human, even through the seasoning of silliness. The pettiest of Caleb's crimes is his self-dishonesty, which is necessary for his self-preservation. There is a lot of love available to Caleb, but not on the terms he prefers. It's beautiful that the resolution is simply acceptance. It's a lesson we can all learn from.
You are doing something important.
I legit cried at the end. Caleb is such a relatable character and the whole movie felt very "slice of life"
You weren't the only one. I couldn't believe I did, but the ending somehow got me, which is completely unexpected from such a silly movie.
"The Hero's Journey aka My Life aka The Caleb Johnston Story (I'm Caleb)" Was seriously hard to watch sometimes as someone who can relate and connect to the desperate attempt at wanting to reach out and reclaim some lost passions or memories or anything of the sort, while also self sabotaging for whatever reason be it not thinking he deserves it or that the world around him doesn't want him as much as he thinks. I'm glad the ending finished the way it did, we all need to just be back in familiarity sometimes to reset, we can truly underestimate how a lot of the moments we have with people have a lot more intent and selflessness when it comes to just straight up connecting and actively listening than we realize. Can't wait for the next one, a brilliant start on your movie makings!!!!!!!!
I learned through this movie that Caleb shares about 99% of my interests from when I was 17, we would have gotten along well back then. Now though I'd probably be hiding all my granola bars if he came to hang out.
I can’t believe Joel is talking about movies!
It was bound to happen eventually :/
If any of your future films need any animated segments, big or small, let me know! I'd be happy to help out!
Now that would be a film for the ages!
So, that movie kind of emotionally devastated me just a little bit. I kept thinking "oh god how the hell are we gonna get a happy ending out of this because FUCK I need a happy ending after this". I loved how it wrapped up. His old friend Jack made me profoundly sad.
probably joels best movie, he said he wanted to make something grounded but to me it felt very dreamy. I would put this on at 3 am and coast. the scene w debbie is very moving
12 feature films is one of the craziest things I've ever seen on RUclips, I will follow this with absolute interest.
Hey Joel! Loved the film. While I appreciate the movie poster-style thumbnail from an artistic standpoint, have you thought about changing your thumbnail style for these feature films? I feel like they might reach a larger audience if you have something else. Just my two cents. If you look at other feature films on RUclips, even short films, they typically have a still image, then the title, and maybe an award or something on the thumbnail. I feel like you could do a lot with these and believe the sky is the limit. I want nothing but success for you this year as I've been a huge fan for years and feel like that would help. Anyways, always down to chat if you ever want to brainstorm with a fellow creator. Keep it up man! Excited to see the next one!
Personally I think the movie posters look great and make them stand out from normal thumbnails. I can’t really think of anything better of a thumbnail that clearly tells you “this is a feature film”. Of course I don’t do RUclips so I can’t comment on how well they make the videos do, but at least for me they draw me in pretty well, especially this latest one.
Hey Zackary! I’ve definitely considered this in the past, but ultimately I like how it looks as a catalog. I want to give the people the feeling that they’re browsing movies when they go to my features, ideally I hope RUclips allows you to tag uploads as such someday and they create a whole app or tab to browse creator made movies where they are represented by just the poster. With that said, you’re right that a typical thumbnail would see more clicks, but I think it could run the risk of them being a lot of hollow clicks from people who might click on not knowing it’s a full length movie and then backing out. But it could also surprise some people and get them to try something they otherwise wouldn’t. For the time being I’m going to keep trying this poster approach to help them stand out from a normal upload and maybe come movie 7 this year people will catch on and be looking out for them hahah, who knows!
@@joeltalksaboutmovies I completely understand your perspective and that makes sense! No worries, I think it looks great I just figured I'd mention it. I'm all about feedback and transparency on here haha. Nevertheless, I think your 12 month plan is destined for greatness! Cannot wait to see what comes next!
Let's get a classic Joel and Trent video in movie form going.
Love your stuff Joel! Can't wait to see the movie! Keep up the excellent work, everyone!
I love you guys. I love movies. Bye bye.
The Hero's Journey aka My Life aka The Caleb Johnson Story (I'm Caleb) is a great movie! I watched it like an hour ago. I think the story and the actors too were great in The Hero's Journey aka My Life aka The Caleb Johnson Story (I'm Caleb). Can't wait for the other movies!
You absolutely killed it! The comedy was top-notch, the acting was completely believable, and the characters felt so dimensional and real. I laughed, I cried. It really struck a chord with me and I will definitely be coming back to watch it again soon.
I would love a directors commentary for the films as well! Even just for the Patreon, I loved when you did it in the past!
All 12 movies will receive commentary tracks on Patreon!
Just FYI, this video showed up in my feed but the movie didnt. (I'm subbed to both cannels and watch regularly)
Thanks for the heads up! Engagement on the movie will probably be strange for RUclips’s algorithm and they probably won’t push them much, I’ll try my best to get videos and posts up to clue people into their release.
That movie was legit my little brother. He just can't quite find his way out of our home town or my parents house. He's a good kid but he's just lost with no friends really around anymore. Great introspection into today's young generations and the difficulty in transitioning into adulthood. Loved it. Loved the pacing. I love slow movies about nothing.
It was an incredible movie, I knew you had done the Caleb character before but I think this stands on its own well. I was especially impressed with the acting of everyone else in the movie. I know you're committed obviously but everyone else did a stellar job too. I think there's a lot of nuance to a lot of the performances.
loved the movie, had so many funny and touching moments that really came together to create a powerful story. i cried at the sad bit in cars 2 so maybe i'm not the best gage but really pulled at my heart strings and washed out the ol' tear ducts.
would love to hear you talk about how you work with people because you always get such amazing performances from your cast, the overheard phone call scene was so well acted - she brought her character alive in such a human and genuine way.
Joel the speed of which you work is crazy. It's really inspiring me to also make a movie. I want to give my best in making the best animated feature length film ever and I hope that you'll get to see it.
I thought the Caleb character had sort of run his course before watching the film- it runs the risk of being the same joke every time. He's naieve and still mentally in highschool and his friends are increasingly outgrowing him, same old same old. After seeing it though, it's remarkable how a few twists change him from being the butt of the joke to a Greek Tragic Hero. I can't express how cathartic it was to see him just come home and have a nice talk with his mum. I really hope you do another Caleb film at some point man, he's gotta catch up to his friends eventually. We all do, even if it takes our entire lives!
This was the perfect film to start with Joel. I’ve been dying to see Caleb’s return, and it was wonderful to see all the old Massachusetts cast back in action as well. Can’t wait for the next one
The film was really, really well made. It didn't feel slow at all. The shots where Caleb's camera turned into the actual memories was so, so cool! I haven't seen it done that way before. This felt as emotionally deep as a few of your other films and it always amazes me how you craft these small intimate moments that express such deep sadness and love sometimes with just once sentence. It also felt like there were callbacks to Island and that was really cool to see. 🙂 Crazy impressive start to the year of films!
I thought I was going to write a long comment under the film or a long review on Letterboxd, but until now it’s been hard to articulate the way that Hero’s Journey has sat with me over the last 12+ hours.
I think sometimes I can be so close to a work of art that I can deeply relate to it but also almost feel numb about it? Like I watched Inside Llewyn Davis a couple weeks ago and was reading through people’s reviews saying it was making them depressed, and I kept thinking to myself that it kinda just felt like looking in the mirror and saying “yeah I guess that’s a part of who I am right now” and moving on. Like it really stuck with me but it also made me feel like I was just revisiting stuff I already knew.
Sometimes the art that really gets to me emotionally is something with a little bit more distance between me and the characters or the story. I think it can allow me to feel like I’m discovering a character’s world from the beginning rather than starting half way through and somehow already being familiar with their world. Those are the kinds of films that tend to make me cry and wonder what exactly it is that I’m even crying about.
But something that Hero’s Journey does really well for me (as a lot of your work does) is blend those two things together. Caleb simultaneously feels close and distant to me. Sometimes it feels like he’s in a box that keeps he and I from getting too close, and sometimes it feels like he IS me.
The trip to the Motel 6 feels like a situation I would never find myself in and also it also feels like every day of my life. Maybe I’m Kevin in the world’s eyes and Caleb in my own. Maybe I allow myself to pretend that I’m convinced that it’s my own birthday in an attempt to fix everything I’ve messed up. Maybe I’m simultaneously Caleb’s mom boxing up memories and Caleb sneaking in the house to get them back. Maybe I too and telling the world that the fruit flavored Arizonas of my life are healthy. Maybe I’m telling people that I’m not happy but feel like I will be soon, and maybe I just need to get used to having boring days. I had an uncle whose life seemed to be somewhere between Jack’s and Caleb’s and watching this film made me feel both closer and more distant from him.
All that to say, this is a beautiful film and you’ve once again created something that seeps way deeper into my soul than I was expecting. This makes me want to watch Forget About Everything For A While for the third time, and We Are Sasquatch for the first time and rewatch the video about the couple that still hangs out at the local playground. It makes me want to check in on my friends and check in on myself and go hang out with my sister and niece and take more pictures and sing more songs. Thank you Joel. I’m very excited for the next 11.
I'm not reading that essay
Can't wait to see these videos after every movie. (Especially the more technical video yet to release for this one -- really, really cool to do!) Seriously respect the dedication to making a feature film each month. Excited to see which ones come next.
Joel, I first discovered your work through Pretend That You Love Me in 2020, which remains one of my favorites, with its unique mixture of deadpan humor and bittersweet exploration of relationships.
I find your work stark and iconoclastic, no-budget in the best possible way. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I was reminded of my own forays into filmmaking when I was younger, and of other spartan independent films (think: Ingmar Bergman's Scenes From A Marriage or Jon Jost's All The Vermeers in New York or Aki Kaurismäki's Drifting Clouds).
In my opinion, you're one of the most under-recognized filmmakers active today, continuing to make quirky yet remarkable films with excellent staging, storyboarding, cinematography, and editing on a shoestring budget.
Your latest effort to make a series of 12 feature length films in the next twelve months (a la Fassbinder) holds a lot of promise, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes out of this!
The first in the series brings back familiar faces in a film that re-visits a familiar character - a nice slow start. While I personally enjoyed the film, it has clear limitations, suffering from many of same troubles that any feature-length film based on characters from 30-minute TV series does. In addition, it goes without saying that the severe constraints of completing the entire production of the film within a month necessarily leave their mark on the finished product. I actually find it quire impressive that the structure of the film with its multiple story arcs, foreshadowing, and deus-ex-machina ending all with comedic overtones nevertheless yield an interesting if lighthearted character study.
Fantastic movie. It brings to my mind - like so much of my favourite art - that E.M. Forster quote "Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted."
I really enjoyed the film! It's the perfect mixture of melancholy, comedy and reality, with a sprinkling of hope, and it's really fleshed out Caleb from a funny stereotype to a very believable person we can sympathise with. Thanks Joel and everyone else who was in this film for all the effort and talent you put into it! The fact that this was made in (less than) a month, on an affordable budget and is entirely free to watch while also being an excellent film is just incredible. Hopefully this project will show more people what can be done with very little!
I sure hope we get a feature film starring Vinny Moretti
LOL
I was already excited to see your monthly movies but the first one being about CALEB is pure hype
Kiarostami was top of mind when I started watching - great job, Joel.
I loved the movie, and I agree with you that it didn't feel like it was made within the confines of this incredibly ambitious project you've embarked on. Well done!
You're so amazing Joel. I wish more people in my film program at UVU understood why you're a bigger inspiration to me than like Spielberg or Scorsese or whatever. What you've been able to produce and they way you've done it has taught me like more than I've learned at a university. You've helped me understand what it really means to be a filmmaker and what films can do for an audience. Big budget super scripted over complicated movies just haven't given me the same experience that your films do. Thank you Joel! So excited to see the rest of the films!
Joel, that first one was superb mate! What a wonderfully comedic yet charmingly beautiful film!
Looking forward to the next one! I, as an artist myself, appreciate you following your passion and subverting expectations.
Always follow your passions! Til the next one! Cheers!
A truly unique experience that deserves attention!
I had a genuine pit in my throat for most of the film. The unfrilly nature of it makes it feel all the more desperate for Caleb, which really struck me. It made me think about what exactly all the frills of a movie-theater film does, its like an FDA seal of approval, that you know what you'll see has been painfully engineered to go down smooth. This film was anything but that, and it made me push through... I was not expecting to even consider watching it a second time ~
I would love to hear in these videos a thing or two of what you learned while creating the movies! Or a big video of all of the things at the end of the year? Excited to watch the first of twelve!
I'm the same way with my projects. I don't want to show them to anyone until it's done. Can't wait to watch the Caleb movie!
It's a great movie and the craigs list stuff is super special. I like how the sellers were really kind to Caleb. That surprised me!
I loved the movie, one detail I feel was intentional but wasn’t sure was the obscuring of Stacey from the audience, brief glimpses, like Caleb’s memories, very similar to how we remember things. This movie really makes you FEEL like Caleb if you know what I’m saying :)
Totally. I felt like I was hearing her without really seeing her. Again, much like Caleb
I just had a chance to watch the movie today, Joel! While I'm sure you're as busy as ever doing this (and supporting your friends by appearing in their work as well), I'm glad you're taking the time to focus on it without the distraction of satisfying the algorithm and releasing your weekly short. I look forward to the next 11, as well as your video statement/budget breakdowns!
My favorite of your feature films is “Forget about everything for a while”. But this is a close second. “I f**king love dominoes”.
Here I wanna say, the hero’s journey is one of your best film ever (for me at least), the emotions were super well hit, Caleb is now one of the greatest character in my opinion. I also really loved the ending, how Caleb re-sort his relationships or getting it right was great as well. Now, this film might be in my top 100.
Congrats, Joel!
I've been making a short animation with a friend, and we're 5 minutes into our 20 minute script!
Making stuff is hard! Just wanted to say hi, and thanks for inspiring people to make stuff!
Something I've always appreciated about your films is the restraint to use music. In a lot of bigger films now, silence is treated as emphasis and even calmer scenes have some kind of background music. This often feels less like an artistic choice and more like a crutch, so studios don't have to depend on actors to convey emotion or audiences to interoperate. But with your stuff, music tends to be the emphasis and silence is natural, letting subtle emotion come naturally without some musical cue.
Also, I liked when you did a pee and got caught
I really loved the movie Joel, very excited for the next 11. You're a big inspiration, I'm not a filmmaker, but I am an artist and a lot of what you say resonates with me regardless of medium. I can't wait to see what you come up with, what different flavors we'll get. I'm holding out hope one ends up being a horror movie, or at least a little spooky, maybe an idea for October.
jeez louise you finished this in 25 days??? congratulations! excited to see how the year plays out
As a longtime fan and admirer of you Joel, I promise to watch every movie before the next one comes out. I’m glad you aren’t giving in to the lack of award RUclips gives to creativity and just making what you want to make. It’s very inspiring ❤️
Really enjoyed the movie! It was at such a good pace and i found myself fascinated with the scenes that you were able to keep going with different framing thanks to the digital zoom. So fun to watch and experience
Finally got around to watching the first film of the year, and man, that was fantastic. Really looking forward to the rest of your films coming throughout the year.
I did really enjoy the film! Caleb was a very interesting character to watch and I liked to see his conflicts with the other people in his life. I liked how the film was shot and you and all your friends gave very good performances.
As you make more films this year I think it could be interesting to switch up styles a bit more, maybe an entire film in your black and white old timey style, and although this might be a bit more challenging I'd love to see one that is fully rotoscoped, though I'd imagine that'd be a bit more time consuming.
So excited to be along for this wild ride! Thank you for inspiring me to make my first short film, although I am still figuring out how to go about it (I don't even own a camera at the moment.) I have been needing a creative outlet for a while and I feel so fortunate to have found your movies when I did. You are the only person I have ever felt it to be worthwhile supporting on Patreon. Hopefully one day you'll respond to my messages lol :D
Edit: I am joking. I understand that Joel is crazy busy right now, and I do not feel owed nor expect a response on Patreon XD
Loved the movie! There are few people who can tell such sad, funny & relatable stories in a way that many viewers can project their own experience, thoughts and perhabs even fears on them... Thank u for this great experience! :')
Hey Joel, loved the moie - and just wanted to say thanks for how much work you put into inspiring and supporting other creative folks. I regularly turn to your channel when I'm struggling to create or sit down and do the work, and I always leave motivated. Excited to see the next film!
Whooooo!!!! This is so cool to see the progress. Thanks for the updates man!
I watched this video again after watching the movie just now. I really sympathised with Kaleb and needed to hear you Joel talking just to remind myself Kaleb is just a character. Great work Joel!
I love this artistic route. Very brave and sincere. I like the cut of your gem!
Just watched your movie. I love Caleb. I watched the Caleb streams several times. Keep cooking up the great content, my man.
It felt very much like Catcher In The Rye. Very cool, relatable character study!
Art era, the eras tour we've been waiting for. Would absolutely love more of these companion videos with insight into the process and even some touches of BTS (algorithm loves those at least right??). I think and hope Caleb will outperform algorithm expectations.
The movie was amazing!
It felt like a dark mirror to me and so it was a pretty dark journey for me.
Kind of a fever dream but it was a fantastic and really therapeutic watch.
Love the Wizard of Barge shirt!
I absolutely loved this movie. I love how much depth Caleb has and the relationships these characters have.
Can't wait to see the next 11!
This first one was hard for me to watch, because the protagonist was such a tragic figure. I kept on waiting for something good to happen to him. But one scene after another he just made me sad. Good job on creating a real character, and love all the cool shots you got. Would love to see some behind the scenes shots. And how you developed this idea in to a feature film in such short time. I think I watched it in the wrong mood. I was feeling so bad for him...... Freezing and hungry and alone. Bummer.
Less gooo! I loved the film Joel! This definitely feels very different to your previous work. Its hilarious yet there is so much depth to the characters!
Been a big Caleb fan for a while. Glad to see him get a feature film. I’m curious what Caleb’s Letterboxd would look like
Super excited to see Caleb get his own feature, your video "Confronting My Middle School Bully" was always one of my favorites from you. I love how much thought you out into this character over the years, he was a huge influence when I created the main character for my last film. Can't wait to see what else you come up with for the rest of the year - I''m hoping for some experimental weirdness!
I didn’t even realize Caleb was a character before hand :0 the movie was so good I want to get it on like dvd 😫
It took me a while to get around to finally watch it. Enjoyed it quite a lot, very emotional and deep, made me think, made me feel.
And it was incredible. I loved the journey Caleb went through. It really struck a chord with me as a fellow minimum wage worker hopeful about my future.
yay !!!
Yay!!!!!!
Thanks for all the entertainment, Joel! 12 Joel Haver movies in 1 year?! Oh, you spoil us!
Great movie! Thanks for making it
Can't wait to see all 12!
Thanks for the insights Joel, excited to see the movie ~this month~! I want to watch them as they come throughout the year and not wait too long. I wonder if making teasers for the movies might bring some of the engagement up, something short saying "it's coming" or something? If it's short people would watch it out of curiosity and more might get to engage with the complete film once it's out.
Artist Mode, I like that. ❤ Thank you for the movie, Joel.
Was the big snowfall an unexpected thing?
It was forecasted a few days out but beyond that yes, just a lucky thing that I was able to incorporate into the story!
@@joeltalksaboutmovies Lucky indeed, one of my favorite scenes. Just feels incredibly on point.
Good luck Joel! Looking forward to watching them! One of my favorites (and 1st feature I watched of yours) is "I'm Going To Be Famous - The Movie"! Your shorts are amazing, but the style and characters of your features are superb! You should have a BTS documentary crew follow this 12 feature endeavor!
I loved the movie, I’ll be here to support every movie you make for the rest of the year.
Im so excited to watch these. Pretend that you love me and Drowning in Potential are really impactful films so illm excited to see your growth! Inspiring stuff
yo joel i wasnt expecting to watch it all the way through (because i was getting ready for work) but i found myself continually watching it throughout the day and finished it! i think the framing of the shots and the storytelling is really polished, which is awesome that you were able to do that with caleb, someone who seemed like a comic relief character in some of your vids! i cant wait til your next film!!!
It was one of your best movies, Joel. Keep up the good work!
This has inspired me to do 12 albums in one year, one each month. Just released my first one of 12 today.
Really powerful movie man. It hit me hard with lot of emotions.
This is all so incredibly beautiful and inspiring and human. Thank you!!
You (as well as Caleb) are an absolute treasure ❤
Given that joel bought this camera for this film, that would technically make it the most exlensive film hes made.
Hey!! I really, really liked this movie. It was the first feature from you that I watched all the way through- I was absolutely captivated, I had to finish it off even if it was a tough watch here and there. Had a lot of those elements that made Breaking Bad a really unique show, like those painful moments where you want to beg the character to make better choices, but unlike that one, this movie resolves in a really natural and honestly satisfying way. I don't think I've ever had a movie turn a mirror on me like this one did, I definitely went through a Caleb phase and it's a terrifying phase of life, especially now! I don't think I ever gave myself credit for making it out of it, I really appreciate this movie for having me confront it, and I'm glad I was able to connect with it. Looking forward to the next one!
I was really rooting for Caleb throughout the film, the story was very captivating. Best of luck Joel on the rest of the year, I know you can do it!
A week early and twice as much Joel as promised. A great way to start your year of movies!
loved the movie joel! 😁🤍
Thanks so much Rohan!!❤️
The movie certainly shares DNA with 'Night in the Woods', hits a little close to home lol.
It was so good too. Somehow you managed to hold my attention with a movie that’s not really my style. Really well done!!
(bit of a criticism comment here)
I liked the movie but idk, I think it could've been better.
I like Caleb stories a lot. I watched all of your videos about Caleb multiple times and I really like the guy, he resonates with me personally. And I think the caleb series has potential. People can relate to Caleb, and the setting and characters are also good. But this movie really felt like a bummer. (I felt that in the Elden ring stream too, but this time a bit more.)
First of all, i felt like it was too long. I think you intended the pacing to be a bit slow, but you know, it was kinda dragging for me.
And the story felt disorganized. It had a few good moments, but as in whole it feels untidy. If that's what you intended because Caleb would be bad at making a movie, then it's... OK i guess. But personally I don't think being in character is more important than the quality of the whole movie.
Finally I don't think Caleb really grows as a character. He always says he'll change, but he comes back to the status quo every time. And I know it is kinda in character for him to be like that but it feels really unsatisfying as a viewer. Of course Caleb is a very passive character and he's not the type to develop very fast, but anyway it felt like Caleb from the beginning of the series and Caleb right now is pretty much the same. Like, in terms of his situation, there WAS a lot of changes, but internally I don't really see it.
I hope you are not offended by this comment. I liked this, and I've always liked your movies and your shorts too.
I hope Caleb gets a nice conclusion to his character arc someday. And I hope to see more of him sometime in the future.
Thanks for the making this film, and I really look forward to see the next movie come out.
Love from your fan from Korea.
What I learned from the movie is that Caleb may be a slow learner, but he is a learner. And there's hope in that idea.
i quite liked it, great job Joel. I would love to see you try making horror of some kind:)
I feel like field medic could make a super dope soundtrack or just a song for one of your movies.
You are motivating me to push myself harder on the game project, exciting year ahead!