Ben Stiller delivers his deepest role yet in Greenberg, an indie comedy that becomes romantic. As a self-absorbed 40-year-old, fresh from a nervous breakdown, he confronts his failures as he house-sits for his successful brother in Los Angeles.
Greenberg’s previews do not do it justice. For all Roger Greenberg’s vices – he’s angry, bitter and unexpectedly mean – there’s a sensitivity and vulnerability. He hides behind narcissism. His humor is intrinsic, transcending the laugh aloud lunacy of Derek Zoolander.
Stiller’s is a mature, subtle performance that makes us care even if we don’t like Greenberg. Marked by his fateful decision 20 years ago to leave his rock band as they were about to sign a major record deal, he fled L.A. to become a carpenter in New York.
Greenberg’s self-disappointment runs deep as he reconnects with old friends. His capacity for empathy shows only in his eyes. “Life is wasted on people,” he tells friend and former band mate Ivan (Rhys Ifans).
This film succeeds because Director Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale; Margot at the Wedding) conveys such compassion for Greenberg and his companions. Cinematographer Harris Savides lingers on the bittersweet anti-hero after his sharpest barbs. Stiller’s talent is that he can make us identify with him. Who he is and who he’s being are very different.
Greenberg’s growth in his on again - off again relationship with his brother’s personal assistant Florence (Greta Gerwig) drives the plot. Florence is a flaky but wise delight, a self-deprecating 25-year-old who says “thank you” to cars that let her into traffic. Gerwig evokes great poignancy during a clumsy groping by Greenberg, and again when she sings a heartfelt solo at open mic in a nearly empty club.
“Hurt people hurt people,” Florence tells him. Greenberg’s tirades against the sweet girl are painful to watch. It isn’t until Florence needs help one day that Greenberg moves past self-absorption and finally draws closer to his true feelings.
Ivan is beautifully underplayed by Ifans, a willing listener despite Greenberg’s decision to abandon the band. Ivan has survived detox and struggles to hold his marriage together. Greenberg chastises his friend, urging him to hold out for greater things than marriage and fatherhood. Since he doesn’t compromise with life, why should anyone else?
Jennifer Jason Leigh portrays Greenberg’s ex-lover, representing his road not taken. At his urging they meet for coffee. Enthusiastically he recounts the particulars of their relationship. She barely remembers them, having moved on to motherhood and surviving a divorce.
Greenberg confesses his feelings to himself and to Florence at last. Ivan sums up the epiphany: “It’s huge. You’ve finally embraced the life you never planned on.”
If you like Greenberg, you might enjoy: The Social Network; I'm Still Here; The Kids Are All Right.
Greenberg 2010 / R / 1 hr, 47 min
Cast Overview: Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig, Rhys Ifans, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brie Larson, Juno Temple, Mark Duplass
Director: Noah Baumbach
Genres: Drama, Indie Drama, Indie Comedy, Romantic Comedy
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