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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Greenberg aims to recapture the raw flavor and psychological acuity of 1970s character portraits like Five Easy Pieces--but the character in question is completely of the moment. Neurotic and anxious Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) comes to L.A. to stay in his brother's house, where he reconnects with old bandmates and falls, with painful awkwardness, into a relationship with his brother's personal assistant, Florence Marr (Greta Gerwig, sweetheart of the "mumblecore" movement). But this movie is not about plot--it's about human frailty and finding a moral or spiritual significance in caring for a dog or driving someone on an errand. Stiller sheds his usual bag of twitchy tricks and conveys the brittle spirit of a man defeated by his own intelligence. Gerwig has an odd, hapless charm; she makes aimlessness appealing. As a romance, the movie falters--while it's obvious why Roger would be attracted to Florence's youth and vulnerability, it's less clear why Florence wouldn't be repelled by Roger's sometimes-cruel instability. But writer-director Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale) has gotten even better at capturing the history of two people with brief, incisive strokes; Roger's prickly history with his friends becomes vividly clear in a few conversations. As a core sampling of the contemporary psyche, Greenberg is rewarding. Also featuring excellent performances by Jennifer Jason Leigh (eXistenZ) and Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill). --Bret Fetzer
Product Description
In search of a place to restart his life, Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) agrees to housesit for his brother in LA and tries to reconnect with his former bandmate (Rhys Ifans) and successful ex-girlfriend (Jennifer Jason Leigh).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Erik Bateson
Format:DVD
Whereas someone like Steven Spielberg has achieved success because his films can be enjoyed by virtually anyone, Noah Baumbach is a director who has polarized audiences with each of his films, and this one is no exception.
The film follows Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller), a 40-year-old man who has recently suffered a nervous breakdown and is now struggling to just "do nothing." He returns to L.A., where he had grown up and had a semi-successful rock band, and housesits for his brother, Phillip (Chris Messina), while he and his family are away on an extended vacation. Greenberg meets his brother's assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig), and begins a halting, awkward romance with her. He reconnects with his old band mates -- including Ivan (Rhys Ifans) -- who are still bitter about a record deal that Roger ruined 15 years ago. Roger also attempts to date Beth (Jennifer Jason Leigh), an old girlfriend, but she rejects him.
The film is unconventional. I do disagree, however, that everyone in this film is unlikable. Greta Gerwig is excellent as Greenberg's love interest, as is Jennifer Jason Leigh, Noah Baumbach's wife. The film is out of the mainstream, but when looking at all of the junk coming out of Hollywood these days, that is a good thing.
If you liked films like "The Squid and the Whale" or some of Wes Anderson's work, and you are willing to go in with an open mind, I recommend this film.
The film follows Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller), a 40-year-old man who has recently suffered a nervous breakdown and is now struggling to just "do nothing." He returns to L.A., where he had grown up and had a semi-successful rock band, and housesits for his brother, Phillip (Chris Messina), while he and his family are away on an extended vacation. Greenberg meets his brother's assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig), and begins a halting, awkward romance with her. He reconnects with his old band mates -- including Ivan (Rhys Ifans) -- who are still bitter about a record deal that Roger ruined 15 years ago. Roger also attempts to date Beth (Jennifer Jason Leigh), an old girlfriend, but she rejects him.
The film is unconventional. I do disagree, however, that everyone in this film is unlikable. Greta Gerwig is excellent as Greenberg's love interest, as is Jennifer Jason Leigh, Noah Baumbach's wife. The film is out of the mainstream, but when looking at all of the junk coming out of Hollywood these days, that is a good thing.
If you liked films like "The Squid and the Whale" or some of Wes Anderson's work, and you are willing to go in with an open mind, I recommend this film.
31 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By Jazz Man
Format:Blu-ray
This is a Noah Baumbach movie. People looking for a wacky, slapstick 'Night at the Museum' type kiddie movie should not go anywhere near this hard and piercing character film. Anyone who complains that this film "isn't funny enough" completely misses the point of both the film and the character. This is a film by adults, for adults.
Writer/Director Noah Baumbach's previous films are Kicking & Screaming - Criterion Collection, The Squid and the Whale (Special Edition) and Margot at the Wedding. The tone and harsh reality of those films should give you a good idea of what to expect here. The film has a number of uncomfortable scenes but they aren't played in a broad and obvious way as many other films might have done. Greenberg seems very, very real. The laughs earned by the film come from a very perceptive observation of a character who seems lost wherever he goes.
What Ben Stiller does with this role is a revelation -- he makes an audience sympathetic to a very unsympathetic character. If a character like Greenberg has even the slight possibility of finding love and happiness then there is truly hope for us all.
Ben Stiller hasn't shown acting chops like this in years and it's very refreshing to see him take on an adult role for a change.
'Greenberg' is easily one of the best films of 2010 and will find a place on many Top Ten lists. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
Writer/Director Noah Baumbach's previous films are Kicking & Screaming - Criterion Collection, The Squid and the Whale (Special Edition) and Margot at the Wedding. The tone and harsh reality of those films should give you a good idea of what to expect here. The film has a number of uncomfortable scenes but they aren't played in a broad and obvious way as many other films might have done. Greenberg seems very, very real. The laughs earned by the film come from a very perceptive observation of a character who seems lost wherever he goes.
What Ben Stiller does with this role is a revelation -- he makes an audience sympathetic to a very unsympathetic character. If a character like Greenberg has even the slight possibility of finding love and happiness then there is truly hope for us all.
Ben Stiller hasn't shown acting chops like this in years and it's very refreshing to see him take on an adult role for a change.
'Greenberg' is easily one of the best films of 2010 and will find a place on many Top Ten lists. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
38 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A "romantic comedy/drama" featuring depressed and unlikable people is a tough sell. That GREENBERG works to the degree it does is a testament to the good writing and outstanding acting...but it cannot completely overcome the essential problem embedded in its premise. That doesn't mean a movie about unlikable people is a bad idea, but expecting such a film to receive a warm, loving embrace by the audience is a bit of a stretch.
Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) a New York based carpenter who once had a shot at rock star glory, is recently out of a mental institution for severe depression. He's now in Hollywood, house-sitting for his brother and family, who are on extended vacation. House-sitting pretty much involves taking care of Mahler, the family German shepherd. And Roger is assisted in this minimal task by Florence (Greta Gerwig), the personal assistant of Roger's brother...she brings him groceries and essentially handles any small tasks Roger might have.
Thus, Roger is allowed to wallow in his self pity. He "engages" himself in the idea of constructing a doghouse for Mahler...and constantly insists that he's doing a great and noble and generous thing by building it. Yet, over the course of what feels like a few weeks, he only gets about halfway done. He is stuck in a malaise of self-hatred...which hatred he shares generously with those around him by being scornful and dismissive. Everyone is a fake or a phony. Everyone is worthy of derision. But when simply arising in the morning is a monumental task, I imagine it would be hard to care much for your fellow man.
Florence, a clearly intelligent young woman who is also adrift in a life going nowhere, would normally be the most depressing character in any other movie, but in comparison to Roger, she is practically sunshine and light. She also suffers from low self-esteem, which has her engaging in a series of one-night stands that leave her clearly unfulfilled and feeling even worse about herself. She and Roger drift into a "sort of" relationship. They come together briefly for a "date," then Roger says or does something awful and the bounce apart. Her friends tell her to leave him alone. His inner-voice makes him wonder why he treats her so badly. He clearly likes something about her (perhaps her openness to feeling, rather than his cutting-off of feeling), but then he acts as though he can't abide her. He's like the kid in elementary school who punches the girl he really likes, to show how immune to liking a girl he is.
Stiller also reaches out to his old bandmates, particularly Ivan (Rhys Ifans)...these men were once his friends, but years ago, with a record contract on the table, Greenberg apparently scuttled the whole deal and the band fell apart. This has bred enormous resentments between the men. Ivan, a good man struggling to hold his family together, seems genuinely interested in befriending Greenberg. He seems to feel responsible for providing some companionship, however strained, to this lost soul. But Greenberg can't stop picking away at the man, mocking his choice of a marriage partner and generally belittling him.
What is convincing about GREENBERG is that no one has a sudden flash of redemption. The script hews closely to what "real life" would be like...if these characters DO make any progress, it will be tentative and painfully slow. Most of the time, it's one step forward, two steps back. The best we can hope for is to see the dynamic shift to two steps forward and one step back.
This makes it very hard to warm up to the characters. They are fascinating and involving, but throughout viewing this, I was constantly telling myself, "These are awful people. I could care less what happens to them." This was particularly true for Greenberg. I felt sorry but frustrated for Florence...but Roger Greenberg needed a good smack upside the head.
That the movie is enjoyable at all is due to some sharp writing, including the use of the dog Mahler as the vehicle through which Roger and Florence can tentatively bond. Their concern for the dog gives them excuses to come together, even when angry at each other. Further, the excellent work from Stiller and Gerwig elevates the film. These two interesting actors give themselves completely over to their work, and it's very effective. Gerwig is not someone I've noticed before, but she is vulnerable and assured in her work. I'd like to see her now tackle a less trouble character; I suspect there's an effervescent personality there. And Stiller has always had a dark side, even in his most "family friendly" characters; but here he just gives himself over completely to that darkness. I hope like heck he isn't really like this...but he sure plays it convincingly. And Rhys Ifans gives another outstanding performance. He's quiet and contained, so that when his inevitable outpouring of feeling comes, the impact is all the greater.
I encourage adult movie-goers who enjoy tight writing and good acting to check out GREENBERG. If you're looking for a "happy" time at the movies, though...look elsewhere.
Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) a New York based carpenter who once had a shot at rock star glory, is recently out of a mental institution for severe depression. He's now in Hollywood, house-sitting for his brother and family, who are on extended vacation. House-sitting pretty much involves taking care of Mahler, the family German shepherd. And Roger is assisted in this minimal task by Florence (Greta Gerwig), the personal assistant of Roger's brother...she brings him groceries and essentially handles any small tasks Roger might have.
Thus, Roger is allowed to wallow in his self pity. He "engages" himself in the idea of constructing a doghouse for Mahler...and constantly insists that he's doing a great and noble and generous thing by building it. Yet, over the course of what feels like a few weeks, he only gets about halfway done. He is stuck in a malaise of self-hatred...which hatred he shares generously with those around him by being scornful and dismissive. Everyone is a fake or a phony. Everyone is worthy of derision. But when simply arising in the morning is a monumental task, I imagine it would be hard to care much for your fellow man.
Florence, a clearly intelligent young woman who is also adrift in a life going nowhere, would normally be the most depressing character in any other movie, but in comparison to Roger, she is practically sunshine and light. She also suffers from low self-esteem, which has her engaging in a series of one-night stands that leave her clearly unfulfilled and feeling even worse about herself. She and Roger drift into a "sort of" relationship. They come together briefly for a "date," then Roger says or does something awful and the bounce apart. Her friends tell her to leave him alone. His inner-voice makes him wonder why he treats her so badly. He clearly likes something about her (perhaps her openness to feeling, rather than his cutting-off of feeling), but then he acts as though he can't abide her. He's like the kid in elementary school who punches the girl he really likes, to show how immune to liking a girl he is.
Stiller also reaches out to his old bandmates, particularly Ivan (Rhys Ifans)...these men were once his friends, but years ago, with a record contract on the table, Greenberg apparently scuttled the whole deal and the band fell apart. This has bred enormous resentments between the men. Ivan, a good man struggling to hold his family together, seems genuinely interested in befriending Greenberg. He seems to feel responsible for providing some companionship, however strained, to this lost soul. But Greenberg can't stop picking away at the man, mocking his choice of a marriage partner and generally belittling him.
What is convincing about GREENBERG is that no one has a sudden flash of redemption. The script hews closely to what "real life" would be like...if these characters DO make any progress, it will be tentative and painfully slow. Most of the time, it's one step forward, two steps back. The best we can hope for is to see the dynamic shift to two steps forward and one step back.
This makes it very hard to warm up to the characters. They are fascinating and involving, but throughout viewing this, I was constantly telling myself, "These are awful people. I could care less what happens to them." This was particularly true for Greenberg. I felt sorry but frustrated for Florence...but Roger Greenberg needed a good smack upside the head.
That the movie is enjoyable at all is due to some sharp writing, including the use of the dog Mahler as the vehicle through which Roger and Florence can tentatively bond. Their concern for the dog gives them excuses to come together, even when angry at each other. Further, the excellent work from Stiller and Gerwig elevates the film. These two interesting actors give themselves completely over to their work, and it's very effective. Gerwig is not someone I've noticed before, but she is vulnerable and assured in her work. I'd like to see her now tackle a less trouble character; I suspect there's an effervescent personality there. And Stiller has always had a dark side, even in his most "family friendly" characters; but here he just gives himself over completely to that darkness. I hope like heck he isn't really like this...but he sure plays it convincingly. And Rhys Ifans gives another outstanding performance. He's quiet and contained, so that when his inevitable outpouring of feeling comes, the impact is all the greater.
I encourage adult movie-goers who enjoy tight writing and good acting to check out GREENBERG. If you're looking for a "happy" time at the movies, though...look elsewhere.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not Even Remotely Enjoyable
Bleak, dark and very depressing. We're not huge Ben Stiller fans but this movie was beyond the pale. Noah Baumbach is an apparently very tortured soul.
Published 5 days ago by Richard M. Kennedy
3.0 out of 5 stars
Missed the end and don't care
Ben Stiller trying to be Mark Ruffalo. Movie is bland, boring. Very glad I didn't pay to see in a cinema.
Published 14 days ago by jane goldstone
2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't even finish it
I like The Squid and the Whale, and Kickin and Screaming, so I had high hopes for this. It was so tedious and it felt like the story had been told before. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Elaine
1.0 out of 5 stars
really bad, don't waste your time.
The worst. Very disappointing. Miserable waste of time. Hated it. Bad beginning, middle and end. I expected more, and was surprised to see these talented people perform so... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Claudia Cooper
4.0 out of 5 stars
Greta Gerwig is Greenberg
Forget Ben Stiller. Greta Gerwig is the revelation in this film. And Stiller may well be the best he has been. Usually I avoid Stiller's films. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Harry Roedersheimer
1.0 out of 5 stars
Huh?
Never heard of this movie but just happened to turn on tv & it was just getting ready to start.
Saw it had Ben Stiller in it whom I normally like so figured I'd watch... Read more
Saw it had Ben Stiller in it whom I normally like so figured I'd watch... Read more
Published 7 months ago by THE REAL REVIEW
1.0 out of 5 stars
A waste of your time and life watching it!
I spent only 30 mins watching this rubbish then flicked forward to see clips and realise that it was all a load of rubbish. My god! Read more
Published 10 months ago by Sevillano
1.0 out of 5 stars
Don't buy this movie
I usually like Ben Stiller, even though he can be edgy at times. This movie was not very funny and the sex scene's bordered on rank pornography. Read more
Published 13 months ago by DougJ
1.0 out of 5 stars
HORRIBLY BORING
HORRIBLY BORING...only made it about halfway through the movie - just couldn't take it any more. Awful characters, awful script, very unattractive actors (seriously, where was the... Read more
Published 13 months ago by N. Gregg
3.0 out of 5 stars
3 1/2 stars for pretty good dark comedy
Director Noah Baumbach makes yet another movie of family, depression, relationships and dark comedy. Read more
Published 14 months ago by M. Oleson
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