Mr. Corman (2021) User Reviews

Very well made but I couldn't watch it anymore.

[AmsterdamViewer · 7/10 · 20 August 2021]

During episode 4 I had to stop watching. It's too much. The struggle. Couldn't do it. Though it's good, it's well made but I couldn't watch it anymore. Too much stress and anxiety.

How is this a comedy?

[billi-shere · 7/10 · 9 August 2021]

Relatable and depressing. But erroneously categorized as a comedy. Absolutely nothing in this is funny.

JGL is excellent, show is uneven

[ChRiS-803 · 7/10 · 10 September 2021]

JGL is one of the best actors of our current era. He also has provided some of the best performances in TV and theatrical. He is also eccentric and a little quirky. Mr. Corman delivers yet another great character. The show really is taking some risks so early on which will probably alienate some viewers. The structure of the series is a bit choppy and uneven. A couple episodes are really good then a couple divert from the concept and are pointless. Did we need a whole episode already about his roommate who is missing for a lot of other episodes? Anything that promotes mental health is a huge tick and some of the scenes are brilliantly written and played but then it drifts off into "Ally McBeal"-territory and drags on some ideas which have no pay off. JGL is behind-the-scenes on this one so he takes a bit of responsibility here. I would be surprised if this gets a second season and even more shocked if it ever gets to a third one. JGL is kinda to blame here despite yet another excellent performance.

I can't really give this a star rating...

[andrijj · 13 August 2021]

It's very well made, written, acted... but it's absolutely not what I need right now in my life (personally). More anxiety, stress, despair, depression is not what I need from my entertainment when my state is on fire (California) and we're in a pandemic and teetering towards fascism. That mixed with the "life of despair" element to this, where he's clearly not feeling happy or satisfied with his life... yeah, after 2 episodes, I had to stop.

Again, extremely well made. Just not what my brain (or soul) need right now. It's hitting a little too close to home, given everything.

But I don't want to rate it for the same reason...

Everything I wanted from a JGL drama-dy

[kamfg · 7/10 · 22 September 2021]

I like this show a lot. It's comedic, sarcastic, dry, a bit self loathing and well, realistic. I found it to be more on the comedic side than the dramatic side but other reviewers seem to feel differently. If you have anxiety you will relate to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character. If you don't have anxiety, you know someone who does so this will give you some insight. It's the perfect show to watch when you don't want to watch mindless humor but also don't want to watch a serious dramatic show. Best part? You get a sprinkle of song and dance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Second best part? Episodes are only 30 minutes as opposed to all the shows at the moment that produce feature film length episodes.

Niche greatness

[Ladiloque · 9/10 · 2 October 2021]

I didn't like "Don Jon" - despite it having some outstanding moments - and I missed "Hitrecord on TV".

Mr Corman won't be remembered for any spectacular scene, directing trick or great actor's moment. In fact, looking at the reviews here, it's likely it will be even forgotten. Still is a brillant production where realism and characters' inner thoughts and feelings meld together; where surrealism, grit and misery mix effortlessly.

Mr Corman - except for at most 10 minutes over the whole series length - is incredibly solid in depicting crisis, incommunicability and modern human condition in all its personal dimensions. Aging, loneliness, family life, love relationships, friendships, financial hurdles, societal pressures, work-life up to the meaning of life: JGL provides a very mature and refined ouvre, which surprisingly gets produced (possibly due to a very limited budget?). All the while avoiding being preachy or overly depressing.

It could have winked a bit more to the viewers by introducing more immediately funny or tear-jerking stuff and by cutting out some of the heaviest scenes (ep 2 and 9 IMO): but is this a flaw? I'm not sure myself so between 8 or 10 I'll go with a 9.

Kudos for a great job.

Most Relatable Show I've Seen

[Rudy_Chickenfoot · 7/10 · 12 August 2021]

I knew I loved this show 10 minutes in when Mr. Corman spoke exactly like me. Everything he said on the couch with his friend is exactly what I say/think and my friends agree lol. It's great to see something so relatable that's not just like nostalgia comedy. I went in expecting to hate it because most things that touch in depression are preachy and pretentious (this is too), but it does a good job.

Not what I can watch right now.

[Opinate · 4/10 · 20 August 2021]

I might give this a higher rating in different times but in 2021 it feels annoying and depressing.

I liked the first episode.

The clanging in the second episode was so absurd I had to turn it off.

Tried the third episode and just couldn't get through it either. The characters complaining whining at one another instead of just getting on with it? It feels more like Millennial mentality than what older folks can relate to. I'm too old to listen to all the discontent and watch characters sitting around moaning. I need actions - I need the character to at least try to solve his problems.

If you want watchers to stick with you through all the anxiety and trauma you need to bring a little relief with some levity and humor.

I don't have the hours in my life to devote to such an unremitting darkness and annoying anxiety-inducing content.

Keenly observed imitation of life and people

[supermellowcali · 8/10 · 7 August 2021]

Existence in all its frustration. Fears, facades, buttons and conditioned responses, and worse-- conditioned, cliché dreams imposed by an overwhelming society.

Actors are great, direction is smart, dialog insightful, everything pro with some interesting dabs of creativity... but this show may not be the experience most people are looking for.

On the other hand, everyone can relate to something in this show and snicker or sneer... it's a must-see for psychologists, psychiatrists and anyone who has experienced paranoia, depression, severe anxiety or panic attacks. For me the real mastery in storytelling here was showing that these are all related, overlapping symptoms hinting at a greater underlying condition beyond anyone's control.

Actually quite relatable in parent/ adult child relations

[msriesling · 7/10 · 27 December 2021]

If I had to summarize this, it would be: Man with a marginally successful life gaslighting his parents by exploiting their weaknesses to justify blaming them for his own shortcomings. They doubt their reality. His mother (played by the stellar Debra Winger!) feels it deeply. Her guilt and longing for a better relationship with her son is heartbreaking. It wasn't until his imperfect father stood up for his own truth did the metaphorical 'meteor hit' .

It might seem aimless at first... but watch it until the end. It does come together.

No clue where the story's trying to go

[10poundsofchicken · 4/10 · 15 August 2021]

It's stylistic and starts off with a cool premise. But after watching the first 3 episodes, the plot is mundane, the comedy doesn't land, and the characters are mediocre. The challenges Mr. Corman faces are very low stakes.

An Honest Look at Life

[susanefitch · 10/10 · 5 September 2021]

A television show that mirrors the feelings that most persons experience in their lives is both creative and daring.

It's obvious that Gordon-Levitt didn't want to create a show that was full of gorgeous people who were in love, fighting, and killing. He wanted to present life as it is: difficult, loving, frustrating and full of the anxiety that life often brings.

I salute Gordon-Levitt for daring to be honest in a media that seldom is.

I so wanted to like this

[SurfGuard · 6/10 · 9 October 2021]

I really wanted to like Mr. Corman more than I could. I loved the mood, I loved the setting and I have no problem with slowly moving plots. But I could not see the episodes going anywhere. And having watched the complete series I still can't. What was this all about?

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

[Bowmanium · 4/10 · 10 August 2021]

We get it. He has terrible anxiety. He can portray this with his acting. We don't need a clanging pot sound every 10 seconds to express his feelings. Just because Levitt does a great job portraying a character with this disorder, doesn't mean the character is at all enjoyable to watch.

lovely.

[olgagerrard · 7/10 · 18 November 2021]

Raw and tender, a lot of loveliness tucked into some dark nooks and crannies. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's certainly worth checking out to see if it is. One of the better things I've watched in quite some time.

Episode 7 was something else

[ateiram-91352 · 9/10 · 10 September 2021]

I was borderline enjoying this show but episode 7 made it for me. It was so relatable in the way us millennials think about all the different life versions all of us could live. We are exposed to countless scenarios and painfully aware of it - something the previous generations might not have spent so much time contemplating because they didn't have social media and weren't constantly comparing their lives and choices with so many others, but rather with their immediate circle. The vivid imagination and artistic qualities of the show are great bonuses.

Discontent

[dcxfdpmk · 7/10 · 6 August 2021]

I feel this show has the potential to be great. The story drives at the discontent we can often feel about our life and it's trajectory. The pressure to pursue what we love vs the hard reality of making a living. The sense of disconnect, loneliness and frustration is palpable. Some of the reviews have highlighted the slow pace but I felt the pace is appropriate and cinematography is beautiful. Particularly at the end of episode 2. Joseph is fantastic and plays the main character with realism.

Directionless.

[itsgotmyleg · 4/10 · 9 November 2021]

It's truly a shame that the makers of this show couldn't choose a direction and stick with it. Every episode felt like a completely different show featuring many of the same characters. And while I admire the creative ambition, maybe instead of doing a lot of things in a very mediocre way, they should try to narrow the focus and do one thing really, really well.

I was so disappointed because I love JGL and I have suffered from anxiety for years, so I was interested to see him handle such a complex and timely subject. But oh man. I was left feeling even more anxious with every passing episode. I had to stop after the fifth episode and had to force myself to go back and finish the series. I really wish I hadn't. It didn't get any better.

All of the characters are unlikeable, and although the acting is superb, the material is confusing and contrived, and the show itself was just an assault of too many different film making styles all smashed together.

Even if you love JGL, unless you're prepared to sacrifice yourself to this assault on the eyes with little to no emotional connection or payoff, then I'd suggest giving it a miss.

Thoughtful and kinda brilliant

[williams9 · 8/10 · 16 September 2021]

In the first few episodes I kept waiting for this series to be funny. It doesn't go there. It goes deeper. It's compelling as you try and unravel the big picture. It can be hard to watch sometimes. The anxiety is deeply upsetting. Strange and dark, I think there's something going on and I'm going to stick with it.

Well made but it's just sad.

[Aesafern · 7/10 · 25 April 2022]

I don't know what to make of it. AppleTV lists Mr Corman as a comedy and I couldn't discern what kind of comedy it is. The show is tragic and left me feeling sad. The acting is good, visually it's nice to watch, but the content--sad, dysfunctional, hopeless, and egoistic. Mr Corman is not happy with his life, he's stressed out because he wants more; to be more, have more--just more. He wants love, he has love but the choices he makes are the opposite. If this is a reflection of the "human condition", then it's probably true for a lot of people. In episode 10, Mr Corman learns some hard truths. My take: if you're looking for fulfilment outside yourself, you're never going to find it.

Not my cup of tea.

[coins-47475 · 2/10 · 8 August 2021]

Sadly after two episodes, in my opinion, this is one of those show you have on in the background while doing other things.

Honestly Great - Ignore the poor reviews

[stewronaldogravy · 10/10 · 7 September 2021]

I honestly really enjoy this show - it is comedic, authentic and the character of Joshua Corman is incredibly realistic and relatable. The show relays dramatic elements of different lifestyles in a unique way that is not a bore to watch, making you laugh at the banter between characters.

Reading the other reviews, I expected to see well-founded criticism as I can value others' opinions but all I see is a bunch of people moaning about how it is boring without giving any insight at all as to their train of thought. It isn't criticism - it's just complaints that the show doesn't suit their criteria (which is perfectly fine) but then these people proceed to bombard the show with poor reviews. I mean like bro, come on! We get the show isn't your cup of tea but give some reasoning behind your review rather than just rating it one star and saying it's boring. I don't like musicals - but you don't see me bombarding High School Musical with my raging reviews of it not being my cup of tea.

Wow, I spent more time ranting that I did reviewing - this is a good show. Watch it if you enjoy dramedies with realistic characters and a plot that is conveyed in a unique way - from Joshua's wacky delusions to the tense sounds of the gong. It is truly a great show.

A challenge.

[chatwithmichaelmac · 6/10 · 10 December 2022]

Joseph Gordon-Levitt sits certainly in the genius category of human beings. I first saw him in 'Mysterious Skin' which is probably my favourite film of all time.

I have followed his career across all the genres he has excelled in. I approached this latest project of his with a sense of hesitancy, as I suspected it was going to be too raw, too challenging for me to get a handle on.

I would have loved to stick with it but, like other commentators here, my own life experiences prevented me from hanging in. It's certainly something. But what that thing is, proved too disturbing for me to see it through to the end. I lasted 4 episodes. Such a pity.

'Mr. Corman' is a relentless tale of life's struggles, not just for the main character but for all those along the way.

JGL is without doubt an extraordinary talent. I dipped my toe into this project but the burn was deep.

I don't know who he thought the audience for this would be. It's certainly depressing, shocking, disturbing and thought-numbing (rather than thought-provoking). I don't think my rating is really fair given this series scope and the talent involved but it is what it is. For me. I get why some have given it ten stars.

Ultimately, for any Director to achieve in their audience a feeling of being consumed and beaten is a credit to their power. But what the point was here I will never know, because I simply had to tune out.

In the hands of an Australian or Canadian director this would probably be more subtle, more nuanced and more inviting but the hammer fell too quickly and kept banging and banging.

Less is always more.

I look forward to his next offering. JGL is too amazing a talent to ignore.

pure anxiety

[kaitlynwendland · 2/10 · 12 August 2021]

I watched this show knowing that apple tv has previously had very good quality shows in their repertoire. This is not one of them. Finished the first two episodes and all I can say is it produces a level of anxiety that just should not exist in a tv show. We all know that it exists in real life, but this showcases that everybody has it yada yada. Nothing new and definitely does not need to be showcased. Feels contrived and the protagonist is so unlikable. I love JGL but this show is not one I would recommend.

Best way I can describe the emotions this show brings: constant tension with my college roommate and we pass each other in the kitchen and want to say something but neither wants to make things worse. Quiet, apprehensive, no way out. DO NOT WATCH IF YOU SUFFER FROM ANXIETY. It will only make it worse.

JGL Video Album

[drwills · 7/10 · 7 October 2021]

I like this show, its annoys me nobody got it. JGL gives us 10 tracks. Each track 1 episode. I like the tracks 2, 5, 8, 9. & 10. Granted watching 45 mins is not like a 3 min song, but its a new approach. If you don't like an episode, skip to next track etc. How many records do you play start/finish. Great premise, set up, aesthetics, cast . Cancelled. I think because the last track was just very forgettable.