Greenberg Review

Noah Baumbach took a great decline after making his first film The Squid and the Whale. After failing with Margo at the Wedding, Baumbach is making a gradual return to greatness with Greenberg. The film isn't great, and at times it is unenjoyable, but it certainly is good. The story chronicles Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller), a shut-in who has recently been released from a mental hospital, and his stay in L.A. while he looks after his brother's house and dog. He begins a rocky relationship with his brother's assistant (Greta Gerwig) that proves unhealthy for the both of them.

The first and biggest problem with this movie is Ben Stiller, who after seeing this movie I can feel no sympathy for. If he were to walk into a dark alley and get beaten and stabbed to death with a trombone, I wouldn't feel sad. On the contrary, I'd feel pretty good. He's not a horrible actor, but his acting style is only adept for unlikable characters, and that leads me to believe he's an unlikable person. If they had any other actor (even Robert Pattinson) play this role I would've liked this film a whole lot more.

The rest of the acting talent is fantastic, especially Rhys Ifans who plays Greenberg's best friend Ivan. He gives a much needed grown up quality that is in stark contrast to Greenberg's childish and juvenile characteristics. Then there's Greta Gerwig who superbly embodies desperation and loneliness after a breakup. There is really nobody else she can throw herself into, and that's really the reason why she is with Greenberg. The film's biggest problem is that it focuses too much on Greenberg and not enough on the more likable people in the picture. Noah Baumbach is almost back to the place where he can make a great film again, and he does his best with what he has.

B