Review of Greenberg (2010) by Ky K — 03 Jul 2015

Roger Greenberg may just be the most unlikable character Noah Baumbach has ever put on screen, and Ben Stiller is exceptional as this incredibly irresponsible, selfish, neurotic asshole who complains about everything (I mean, EVERYTHING around him.) Average moviegoers would find this man quite obnoxious and not relatable at all. I wouldn't be surprised.

But boy, this character fascinated me so much; the movie is so engaging to watch because we all know people like him, and Stiller gives his best and most nuanced performance of his career. Greta Gerwig, Baumbach's muse, is so damn likable and approachable as Florence. I love everything she does and she is really good in here. Rhys Ifans also does a great job as Ivan, Greenberg's ex-band mate. I loved Baumbach's direction and his darkly comical script, which was co-written by his then-wife Jennifer Jason Leigh. He skillfully walks on the thin line between humor and heartbreak. Greenberg may be hard to watch, but it is definitely worth seeing.