Actor-director Jonah Hill seeks to demystify psychotherapy by taking people inside his own sessions in “Stutz,” a simple but emotionally affecting documentary that takes the form of several conversations between Hill and his therapist Phil Stutz. Shot in a soft, lovely black-and-white, the film is both the story of one beloved doctor’s life — from how he developed his methods early in his career to how he copes with Parkinson’s now — and a candid look at Hill’s self-doubts as a person and an artist.
The primary idea Hill wants to share is Stutz’s concept of “tools,” which is his term for the actionable steps people can take to feel better about themselves. Stutz is a fervent believer that people in a mental health crisis need immediate relief, and that his patients eventually should start accepting their struggles as a part of who they are. Hill talks through his own favourite tools with his doctor, and describes how he’s applied them to his own life.
“Stutz” is often heavy and unsettlingly honest; and its therapy-speak is thick, in ways that may be hard for people who’ve never had that experience to penetrate. But the two men also crack jokes together, and they express a genuine affection for each other that is heartwarming. This film has a worthy goal: to change the perspectives of people who might be hurting right now. For those willing to go with its flow, it has a real power.
“Stutz.” R, for some language. 1 hour, 36 minutes. Available on Netflix
written by NOEL MURRAY of the Los Angeles TImes online
NOV. 18, 2022 8:49 AM PT
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