Review of The Squid and the Whale (2005) by Simeon T — 14 Nov 2014
No so much a movie as a purgation. In many stories, the bright child is restricted and tormented by stupid and boorish parents, and in this case I appreciate the depiction of the less explored idea that intellectual parents could be far worse than thos less educated.
What is depicted here is ghastly on a psychological level. The Jeff Daniels character in particular is such a vile figure, and the rest of the world of the young protagonists so devoid of shelter and aid, that the only choice is to run, which is exactly how the movie ends, with running away as fast as possible.
That was the right choice for the two boys, but that film is so unpleasant an experience that it is the natural choice for the viewer as well. There is some very strong acting here, but in service of what? Watching The Squid and the Whale I never once thought it was an attempt at story telling; I thought it was an attempt by Noah Baumbach to defang his own past.
I hope he succeeded.
This review of The Squid and the Whale (2005) was written by Simeon T on 14 Nov 2014.
The Squid and the Whale has generally received very positive reviews.
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