Review of Greenberg (2010) by Rainer K — 18 Jun 2012

Ben Stiller is Greenberg.

In one of his rare dramatic outings Stiller gives life to a misanthropic and neurotic unemployed carpenter who once was an aspiring musician. He's housesitting his brother's house and, while doing so, also bonds with his brother's assistant (the charming Greta Gerwig).

Greenberg has independent drama written all over it, with misery to find in all places and twists that make the characters' lives even more complicated. The cast is likable and against common perception I had no problems to identify with Stiller's characters (as I read many found him completely unlikely - a feeling I can't share).

The one thing I missed most was Baumbach's quirky humour that usually defines his films/scripts. Greenberg is seldom really funny and the comedic talents of Stiller or Ifans are rarely on display.

I can't be too harsh with it though, it's not boring, the dialogue is pretty good and Greta Gerwig is amazing but it also lacks... something. Something that would make me genuinely care about the characters (especially Greenberg himself).