Greenberg

 “Greenberg"

Starring: Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig, Rhys Ifans, Jennifer Jason Leigh

           Noah Baumbach’s Greenberg has the slight hints of a new direction for the talented writer/director. Instead, Greenberg is a familiar take on an anxiety filled 40 something played by Ben Stiller. Stiller at the age of 45, rarely gets the chance to shine in a dramatic role. Here he plays Roger Greenberg, an unstable carpenter from New York who is called to LA to housesit for his wealthy and disapproving brother.

            The film takes place in and around the Hollywood Hills as we spend two weeks with Greenberg, whom recently had a mental breakdown and doesn’t have many friends. He’s happy with doing nothing for now and likes to drink. He takes a liking to the family assistant that helps his brother’s family out. Her name is Florence, and she’s played by newcomer Greta Gerwig, who has made her name after appearing in a few Mumblecore films. Gerwig has a natural presence and beauty that make her an actress to watch in the future. Her small tics and line deliveries may not be viewed well by others, but I think Gerwig is far more interesting than what meets the eye.

            Roger and Greta are hardly the best match for each other, his cynical and unsettled psyche don’t mix well with her good hearted, yet ultimately un-sure nature. But, they’re slightly fun to hang around with. They develop an awkward little relationship that stretches the film outside the audience’s expected comfort level. Baumbach likes to take risks, but Greenberg feels safe in comparison with the director’s previous works. This lack of risk works in a negative way for the film. The director had made his best film based off of dozens of cringe worthy moments; Greenberg may have one or two of those moments in all of its 100 minute runtime

            As I mentioned earlier, Stiller fits nicely into this role that Baumbach could have fully processed for him. Greenberg is alienated from all but a few past friends band mates, one is his closet friends Ivan, played by Rhys Ifans. The others resent Greenberg’s wish to shun away a past record deal. His lack of connection has driven him towards a life of uncertainty and criticism towards almost everyone. He writes small complaint letters to companies like Starbucks and American Airlines enforcing his blunt opinion in one paragraph.

            Baumbach’s film is interesting and insightful at times, but it folds under its own wishes and pretenses. Character studies have always been Baumbach’s niche, but the main protagonist comes off as more dull than dynamic. Stiller isn’t at fault here; he clearly understands the character and brings his A-game. Baumbach appears to have had the idea of a strong character, but didn’t write him all the way through.

            Baumbach is stunk in a funk; he may have peaked with The Squid and the Whale back in 2005. He has collaborated with his current wife Jennifer Jason Leigh on his last two films; she also has roles in both. His talents are noted, and each film is stamped by his signature style, but something needs to change.

            Something is to be said about the look of the film. Harris Savides, who shot Baumbach’s last film, captures the glow and essence of LA. Space is given to the actors, as they’re free to roam in their environments; this is much of what the film consists of. Greenberg may never figure himself out, but Florence is drawn to him for reasons I can’t imagine. They may have a future, they may not. Their interactions are far from normal, as both are living a day, and a feeling at a time.