Review of Greenberg (2010) by David A — 03 Oct 2010

Once again Noah Baumbach masterfully creates a set of perfectly awkward characters, connected by the throes of life and bittersweet romance.

Roger Greenberg, fresh out a psych hospital, attempts to regain pieces of his past in order to build a better life, as he house-sits for his brother. After meeting and taking a shine to his brother's personal assistant, Florence, he begins a turbulent relationship with her.

Over the course of the movie Florence's sweet and generally positive demeanor is challenged by Greenberg's crudeness and seeming insensitivity. Struggling to maintain any semblance of friendships, Greenberg has difficulty maneuvering even the least threatening of social situations. You can't help but feel for Florence and Ivan, Roger's former bandmate and apparently the only friend he has left.

That being said, Greta Gerwig as Florence completely stole the show for me. Brilliantly toeing the line between naive vulnerability and personal strength, you can't help but feel for her as she sweetly smiles and characters undeserving of her affection. The bar scene where she sings with the acoustic guitar playing gently behind her absolutely sealed the deal. A bit cliche as far as indie(esque) films go, but still moving. I find myself wishing the film was called Marr and Gerwig took the steering wheel, forcing the still-talented Stiller into the passenger's seat.

Overall, I enjoyed Greenberg, despite the slight discomfort watching the actual titular character. It really is a film that reminds you how life can often be simultaneously beautiful, and excruciating.