Greenberg, 2010, Dir. Noah Baumbach, Film Review
In my first attempt to see a film at the Nova, Carlton every Monday (during my university commitments and conveniently on their $6 movie day), I had the pleasure of viewing Greenberg, 2010, Dir. Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale). It was written by Noah Baumbach (screenplay) and Jennifer Jason Leigh (story) who plays a small but poignant part in the film, as Roger's ex-girlfriend who has moved on with her life. This writing partnership resulted in what I consider a very funny, entertaining and strangely heartwarming comedy. In an observation that was quite scary, poor old Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) reminded me of an exaggerated version of myself in certain stages of my life; in his cynical, narcissistic, post nervous breakdown persona he offers a comedic reflection of a has-been musician who is getting older and questioning his past decisions and his place in the world right now. The buy line is "he's got a lot on his mind" and this is certainly reflected in his incessant need to write complaint letters to every organisation his encounters on a daily basis (a similar passion of mine, if only I had time!) My favorite line from the movie was on Roger's 41st birthday, when he sat with his only remaining friend and was reflecting on his much younger 'like' interest and the moments of youth that they both admit have passed them by. His friend, Ivan Schrank (Rhys Ifans) who plays a fellow ex-rocker, now running an IT business and married to what Roger insanely describes as a "racist", comments that "youth is wasted on the young", which Roger replies in his nonchalent depressive tone stemming from a true cynic, "I'd go further, I'd go, life is wasted on people."
Greenberg follows the story of Roger who has just arrived back in his hometown, Los Angeles, to housesit for his wealthy and professional brother who seems to care more about his dog then of Roger and his recent admission to a mental hospital. Along comes the brother's assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig) who takes care of Roger's needs in more ways than one. Despite, at least Roger's best efforts (if not spontaneously aggressive yet amusing attempts) to distance himself from falling for Florence, the couple in the very least bond over their shared notions of feeling lost and searching for their place in the world. There are consistent laughs found in the film, from the punchy observational humor of Roger and his narcissistic reflections of others; to the once best-friends relationship of Roger and Ivan; the brother's phone calls to check up on Roger and the strange couple that arrive at the backyard pool every other day.
I left the cinema feeling satisfied with watching an intelligent, comedic effort, added with the new delight of Ben Stiller playing a dramatic role and not a characiature. It's philosophical edge, without being a heavy drama, offers a delightful film to enjoy with others or in ones own time grabbed between other commitments. Go and see it, I ensure you, if you have any reflective enquiries on your own past, like watching obsessive cynics write hysterical complaint letters or enjoy the notion of people finding love in unexpected places, you will sit through certainly without yawning or checking the time and even come out with a smile on your face!
