Review of Greenberg (2010) by Zane T — 09 Jan 2011

A film about an irritating know-it-all with obsessive compulsive issues is a difficult sell and even more difficult to tolerate for an hour and 40 minutes. This man is Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) who has come from New York to LA to take care of his brother's place while they vacation in Vietnam.

He meets Florence Marr, his brother's house errand assistant, and the two start a very awkward relationship. Greenberg meanwhile is boldly going nowhere - he doesn't work, writes complaining letters about things that annoy him to corporations, and is attempting to build a doghouse for his brother's dog.

He has reacquainted himself with his old friend Ivan, who has grown up and his old girlfriend. Everyone here seems to be in a failed relationship. And Greenberg still seems like an immature teenager who believes no one understands him.

Greta Gerwig's Florence however, is another type of failure - a woman who is not satisfied with her employment, despite her education, and is tired of having the same relationships with the same people - so Greenberg offers a unique opportunity.

But viewing, I really didn't want to hang around Greenberg either, even though he's going to learn a lesson by the end. Still good performances (particularly Gerwig) with some funny and quirky moments and some good dialogue.