Review of Greenberg (2010) by David D — 08 Aug 2012

Ben Stiller gives the performance of his career in the new independent film by Noah Baumbach entitled Greenberg. Stiller plays Roger Greenberg, an intelligent albeit antisocial man fresh out of a mental institution. Although the reasons he was committed are unclear, Greenberg is clearly not like everyone else.

Having been released, Greenberg goes to stay at his financially successful brother's house in Los Angeles while his brother and brother's family are on vacation in Vietnam. Greenberg begins to reconnect with old friends and lovers, with varying levels of successes (or more aptly failure). It is the new relationship he builds with his brother's personal assistant Florence played by Greta Gerwig that is the focus of the film however. Like Greenberg, Gerwin also has her quirks; although they are of a completely different categorization. The selfish Greenberg and selfless Florence begin an awkward romantic companionship that mirrors a relationship. As the events of the story take place, the two characters become increasingly revealed.

Ben Stiller is phenomenal as the understated, cynical, know-it-all with virtually no verbal filter. Roger Greenberg is part Gregory House and part Asperger syndrome, while at the same time being completely unique and individual. Stiller portrays this complexity effortlessly. Although Greenberg is hostile, selfish, and otherwise unsavory; Stiller's barebones performance demands the attention, sympathy, and even empathy of the audience.

As good as Stiller is here, Greta Gerwig is even better. Florence is written as much more average and one-dimensional than Greenberg, but Gerwig's uncanny ability to embody this woman's reality conjures up a very unlikely degree of depth in the character. Gerwig doesn't even seem to be acting like the soft-spoken, self doubting Florence who lives for others; she actually seems to become her. From the timing of her stutter to the minute movements of her eyes, Gerwig perfectly simulates the presence of shyness and low self esteem.

The script here is also very good. Although some more outlandish elements are added for the sake of spicing up the story, Greenberg is a very down to earth and often painfully realistic film. While the movie is not always enjoyable it is always engrossing, because of writer/director Baumbach's realistic script and the acting of the entire cast, including Rhys Ifans who plays Greenberg's "best friend" Ivan, pull you into Greenberg's world. This is an insightful and realistic journey into the lives of two lost souls. It is also an early contender for the best films of 2010.