Review of The Squid and the Whale (2005) by Tom B — 26 Apr 2010

Something about Jeff Daniels and the way his eyes show that he sees what he's refusing to allow himself to see. Rips me to pieces. Perhaps reminds me of myself. A good film for fathers to see, to help them see.

I always feel like Noah Baumbach has done me a favor in writing about life, or in this case it would seem, his life. It's hard to watch without squirming at times. Laura Linney seems to be more open and honest and vulnerable in this film than I've ever seen, and the kids are incredible.

The script is the engine that powers things and gives these people the chance to bring forth as much of themselves as they seem to be doing. In the making-of we see Baumbach working with the performers, pulling out each emotional beat.

A beautiful double journey, of a son towards the light of awareness, and a father retreating more into a kind of denial that might almost be termed clinical. Whatever else, it's chronic. Some movies deliver so much because they're more real than other films, and we know they're about real people.

Times like this I have more emotions than I can express, all beautiful and very very rich.