David O'ConnellGreenberg
May 12th 2010 02:36
Noah Baumbach’s reputation as an independent filmmaker unafraid to tackle family dysfunction with real maturity has been on the rise with his most recent films The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Margot at the Wedding (2007). His latest project, Greenberg (2010), further solidifies his standing though there must have been nervous investors questioning his sanity when he cast Ben Stiller in the lead role of a miserable, disconnected 40 year-old with a troubled past, including a stint in a mental hospital.
Roger Greenberg (Stiller) is a carpenter from New York returning to his place of birth, Los Angeles, to housesit for his brother’s holidaying family for six weeks whilst continuing his pursuit of “doing nothing”. His brother’s personal assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig) is on standby for any assistance should he require it. Soon it becomes apparent Roger has difficulty completing the most mundane of tasks. He’s an oddball who lives in past, unhealthily attached to a bygone era of music and style. He’s also embittered by the state of world, bemoaning a general decline in standards and throwing himself into formal complaints in the shape of furious, pedantic letter-writing.
Roger is a figure of pity and tragedy; catching up with old friends and acquaintances, he’s awkward and out of place, like a square peg unable to find its proper slot. A party scene illuminates this fact to painstaking effect, his interactions bordering on cringe-worthy. Finally, a wide shot shows him enmeshed in the raucous crowd, yet despairingly alone and fidgety, surveying his surroundings like a child lost in the woods. Nobody’s overjoyed to see this man back; clearly some sort of negative connotations register in his presence. Even best friend, the amiable Ivan (Rhys Ifans), tolerates him despite misgivings that he seemingly allows to remain dormant in an effort to avoid confrontation.
Stiller is thoroughly convincing as Roger; he looks the part with his outmoded hairstyle, and skinny, ill-proportioned body. Baumbach has afforded him admirable shadings too; he earns our sympathy and yet his darker, destructive side isn’t shied away from. There are moments when Roger lashes out at Florence, the one person who doesn’t pity him, threatening to alienate both her and us. This self-destructive reflex is gradually traced back to his past life as member of an upcoming rock band. On the verge of a breakthrough he acted rashly in knocking back a contract on their behalf and when no better offer emerged everything went to hell in a hand-basket.
Ben Stiller as Roger Greenberg
Relative newcomer Gerwig is a wonderful surprise with the advantage of a fresh new face most will be unfamiliar with. Her Florence is gangly, awkward, with a hint of emotional vulnerability that suggests she may be as uncomfortable in her own skin as Roger. She possesses an endearing sweetness that ultimately may do her more harm than good. She also has more in common with Roger than deceptive first appearances would suggest, having recently traded in a long-term relationship for the ephemeral comfort of one-night stands.
Perhaps the most substantial obstacle to appreciating Greenberg is in assessing the plausibility of Florence’s attraction to Roger. It seems all the warning signs should be flashing from their first encounter but the sensitive Florence, instead of nullifying her feelings before they can get traction, allows her curiosity free reign, thus setting herself up for emotional hardship.
Baumbach’s film can sit comfortably alongside his most recent two; in a sense they’re of a piece, probing destructive relationships from the inside out. Intelligent, engaging dialogue seemingly comes easily to him and in Greenberg he’s created another sharply-defined character study that both entertains and illuminates. Though the resolution seems watery and perhaps too easy an escape route, this still rates as another winner from this talented young New Yorker.
A rare happy moment between Roger, Florence (Greta Gerwig) and Ivan (Rhys Ifans)
Trailer here.
Originally set for a late May release in Australia, Greenberg has now sadly been delayed until July it seems.
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I had put this in the maybe pile due to Ben Stiller but am a huge fan of the Director. Yours is another review that makes me think i will have to brave his company.