Greenberg

Greenberg (2010)
Directed by Noah Baumbach
Length: 107 minutes
Rated R for some strong sexuality, drug use, and language





Director Noah Baumbach became a favorite amongst film critics with his 2005 indie darling The Squid and the Whale. But in a industry full of big name directors, he remains a relative unknown. Baumbach previously worked with more popular indie director Wes Anderson, co-writing several screenplays. In his latest effort, Baumbach nabs one of Hollywood's biggest comedians in the ever lovable Ben Stiller; but are the results any different this time around?

In a role MUCH different than his usual dense yet lovable goof, Ben Stiller (Little Fockers, Help Me Spread Goodness) is Roger Greenberg - a neurotic Gen-X'er hoping to do absolutely nothing while house sitting in Los Angeles for his brother. Roger is a difficult character: at times charming and compassionate before transforming into a moody, brooding asshole. As Roger passes the days house sitting, he reconnects with old band mates and becomes friends with the family's assistant Florence Marr, played by Greta Gerwig (Art House, Northern Comfort).

This is one of Stiller's most complex and difficult characters portrayed to date, yet also one of the most difficult to like. Stiller really captures the difficulty people have in connecting with Roger, even those who want to be a part of his life. Old friends and Florence struggle with his manic mood swings and borderline tropophobic behavior. Where Baumbach's contemporary Wes Anderson has succeeded several times in creating damaged and difficult characters that are still likable, Baumbach continues to deny the viewer any chance of really liking the protagonist.

Much like his previous works, Baumbach does not care if you get the "warm, fuzzy feeling" after his films. You could think of his work as an analysis of the aging of Generation-X and their interaction with modern society. Infidelity, drug use, an elitist sense of intelligence, snarky humor - the traits of a Baumbach film are becoming as recognizable as some of Hollywood's elite. However, this does not make his films any more enjoyable for the popular masses. Greenberg and Baumbach's previous works are a polarizing experience that will leave you firmly planted in the love it or ho-hum side. I, much to my chagrin, fall into the latter. Make sure you rent if only to see Stiller at a new level, but be prepared for 100% indie dramedy.

Final Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Roger Greenberg: "Dear Starbucks, in your attempt to manufacture culture out of fast food coffee you've been surprisingly successful for the most part. The part that isn't covered by the 'most part' sucks."