Pub.lished Movie Reviews
The Squid and the Whale (2005)
"The Squid and the Whale" is an eccentric, unsettling movie that delves into the lives of two young boys grappling with their parents' divorce in 1980s Brooklyn. This film is set in New York and provides an intimate look into a family's life as they navigate the tumultuous process of divorce. As Bernard and Joan, the parents, separate from each other, they struggle to keep their two sons, Walt and Frank, from being caught in the crossfire of their marital discord.
The film is rife with familial tensions, primarily brought on by the boys' divided loyalties - Walt aligns himself with his father, while Frank sympathizes more with his mother. Although the plot does not follow a traditional trajectory towards a dramatic climax, it is punctuated by poignant, significant moments that leave a lasting impact.
The screenplay is beautifully crafted, and the remarkable performances, particularly from Jeff Daniels, enhance the overall quality of the movie. Director Noah Baumbach has truly outdone himself with this film. The authenticity and complexity of the characters are so palpable that, at times, it becomes almost overwhelming.
Bernard, a cynical and struggling literature professor, is grappling with his professional stagnation, unable to get his works published. Joan, on the other hand, is a successful writer plagued by her inability to remain faithful to her husband. Meanwhile, Frank, the younger son, is a habitual masturbator and a fledgling beer drinker. Walt, the older teenager, is in a phase of idolizing his deeply flawed father.
Regardless of their evident flaws and questionable likability, these characters are undeniably real. They leap off the screen and serve as a stark reminder of why we immerse ourselves in the world of movies. Films as raw and genuine as "The Squid and the Whale" are few and far between, making this one an essential watch.
- You're not comfortable with family dramas tackling divorce and its effects on children.
- You don't like films with a heavy emphasis on character development and dialogues.
- Explicit scenes and adult themes make you uncomfortable.
- You're seeking a light-hearted, happy movie experience. This movie has a rather dark and grim premise.
- You're under the age of 16. The Squid and The Whale is rated R for strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "The Squid and the Whale"? I mean, is it a nature documentary? Is Jacques Cousteau going to pop up at some point? And what a title, right? You're expecting an epic underwater battle, maybe some sort of marine version of Godzilla vs. King Kong. But no, it's a drama about a divorcing couple in Brooklyn.
I mean, don't get me wrong, Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney, they do a great job. But I kept waiting for a colossal squid to crash through the living room wall or a whale to suddenly appear in their bathtub.
And the kids, they're playing ping-pong in the basement, meanwhile their parents are playing emotional ping-pong upstairs. Is this a metaphor or a sports event? I don't know.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Aficionados of "The Squid and the Whale" will love "Little Miss Sunshine" for its similarly dark comedic tone, exploration of dysfunctional family dynamics, and its blend of biting satire with heartfelt emotion. Both films paint a raw, unflinching portrait of familial strife, yet simultaneously highlight the beauty of unity and love amidst adversity.
Marriage Story (2019):As a fan of "The Squid and the Whale," you'll almost certainly appreciate the emotionally nuanced performances in "Marriage Story." Like "The Squid and the Whale," this film doesn't shy away from real, raw human emotions, exploring the highs and lows of a relationship. Directed by Noah Baumbach (who also directed "The Squid and the Whale"), it features superb performances from Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, whose characters' heart-rending journey will leave you enthralled.
Frances Ha (2012):Another film made by Noah Baumbach, "Frances Ha" offers a unique point of view on personal growth, similar to how "The Squid and the Whale" does it. The main character, an aspiring dancer, deals with the pains of growing up while residing in New York City. Featuring a charming performance by Greta Gerwig, it's a beautiful exploration of life, friendship, and self-discovery.
Greenberg (2010):Yet another Noah Baumbach film, "Greenberg" speaks to issues of adult self-discovery and coming of age. The film stars Ben Stiller in an unusual dramatic role and Greta Gerwig. It's a thoughtful and at times deeply uncomfortable movie - a stylistic choice that also shines in "The Squid and the Whale."
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001):Produced by Wes Anderson, who has a distinctive directing style, "The Royal Tenenbaums" showcases a dysfunctional family similar to "The Squid and the Whale". Packed with stars like Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, and Gwyneth Paltrow, this film offers a perfect balance of comedy and drama, a bittersweet tale about the difficulty of living up to past glory.
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