• About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

The Dagger - Local News with an Edge

  • Local
  • Politics
  • Schools
  • Sirens
  • Health/Food
  • A&E
  • Sports
You are here: Home / Arts / Movie Review: Greenberg

Movie Review: Greenberg

March 26, 2010 By Adam Mehring Leave a Comment

Greenberg (Focus Features)

Greenberg

The Stab: A carefully constructed case study lacking the resonance and perspective to feel worthwhile. Off-putting more than engaging. Substance feels sparse while pretension abounds.

The Great White Oblivion. That particularly insidious mythological kingdom imagined by Hollywood, where the sky is as white as the skin is fair, and society reverberates in an affluent bubble—blind to the real and functioning world.

With Greenberg, writer and director Noah Baumbach takes us to perhaps the most insufferable expanse of the Oblivion. To be dysfunctional is to be trendy, and characters obsess over the minutiae in their pursuit of a deeper meaning.

They insist upon struggling greatly, and occasionally, they even appear to do so. But their perspective is so limited, so skewed, that hardship is generally a foreign concept to their experience.

The problem is that Greenberg itself functions entirely within the Oblivion, and so every improbable interaction, every ponderous swath of dialogue, every aphoristic absurdity, every exercise in frivolity—each is portrayed as logical and legitimate.

In the Oblivion, and in Greenberg, life is a series of privileged diversions: restaurant rendezvous, bar visits, poolside gatherings, house parties, late nights, and early mornings—with alcohol as ubiquitous as the air and, somehow, extra time to spare. No one bats an eye, except to revel in misery and self-pity.

Diversity exists solely to enliven or embolden the actualization process for the patriciate.

Hegemony propagates like breeding bunnies.

Greenberg

In Greenberg, Ben Stiller plays Roger Greenberg, our titled man without a plan recovering from a nervous breakdown while house-sitting for his brother in Los Angeles. The film sees Roger considering his past, present, and future as he readies to re-enter the day-to-day.

Stiller tries to keep it straight-faced and morose, and for the most part, he is successful—if unremarkable. Even so, he can’t quite fully shake the funny man, wincing and twisting his body as he doggy-paddles across the pool. A tepid laugh—even as it contradicts the film’s own intentions.

Greenberg reconnects with his old buddy Ivan (Rhys Ifans), whose marriage is unraveling. Of course, they were once in a band together, with aspirations and abilities set for stardom. Because who can’t relate to that—to life getting in the way of fame and fortune?

Only in the Oblivion.

Meanwhile, Greta Gerwig plays Florence, the assistant to Roger’s brother (again, a fully relatable concept, no?). Florence is a wandering soul of her own and, tasked with checking in on her boss’ brother, begins an unusual relationship with Roger.

Gerwig is gentle and endearing, and as far as existential ramblings go, hers are the most tolerable. But Baumbach puts her every motion under intense focus, suffocating most human tendencies and fetishizing her into a wounded nymph.

Greenberg

Roger and Florence engage in a desperate game of musical chairs, coming together and moving apart, unsure of or uncommitted to how they feel or what they want. Watching their quietly volatile courtship would feel cumbersome even if they were likable. Needless to say, there’s little compulsion to become invested.

Jennifer Jason-Leigh makes a brief appearance as Greenberg’s former flame Beth. She imparts a refreshing luminance and effortless honesty even as Beth oddly enables Roger’s inaptness. Leigh’s refusal to be fussy counters well her director’s obsessive insistence.

Indeed, Baumbach wields his camera like a microscope: every frame a slide used to examine every inch of every moment. His precision is admirable, and the film is technically proficient. But as such a scientific study, Greenberg reveals little that is interesting, enlightening, or inspiring. As a piece of storytelling, it isn’t particularly challenging, entertaining, or convincing. Purpose feels as lost to the film as it does to its characters.

Instead, Baumbach carefully stacks images on top of one another and then plunges downward with his scalpel and scope. But through his magnified lens, all that can be seen are other people looking back through their own microscopes: an unending spiral of aimless scrutiny—a relentless quest for truth in nothing.

If only Greenberg weren’t kidding itself that something substantial might be there. If only it weren’t trapped in the Great White Oblivion.

Written & Directed by Noah Baumbach.

Rated R for some strong sexuality, drug use, and language.

Runtime is 1 hour, 47 minutes.

Showtimes @ The Charles»    Watch the Trailer»    Visit the Website»

border

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sounding Off

  • “I can't wait to see what is in these emails that Bob is not wanting to share.”

    Bob Watch | Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act

  • “I like Gahler as well but don't forget he is backing his Sgt.Pennman who sits on the County Council. Pennman…”

    Lalta Durbal | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “This Cassilly/Penman spat I believe was initiated, at least in part, by the possibility of public housing projects being built…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “A plat revision reducing the number of lots is hardly worth you weeing your shorts over.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You do know there is a system in the county called “Fast Track”. Ask your buddy Euler, he’s already used…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Nothing at all suspicious about a property that has sat around for generations and then gets approved in record pace…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The supposed development that everyone is referring to goes back generations. When 95 was built there were lots created by…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Right you are. Pretty comical that Bob Cassilly has a business registered at his home address that is not his…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Quite a display of clownsmanship from Penman at last nights council meeting. Is he off his meds? You’re not in…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I don’t have a dog in the fight regarding the Cassilly v. Penman conflict. I hope it is resolved in…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Shenanigans? You’re hilarious.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Yeah, that's the whole point. He is not any other county resident, he is the county executive and he and…”

    Happy Bob Real Estate | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The amount of disinformation here is staggering. The land that is owned by Bobs family was actually platted for 14…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “$145,000 for a part-time job and then demand more money? Pretty cushy spot he's in...maybe he needs to spend his…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Cassilly makes way over 145k and in fact took a cola double of what he gave county employees. You are…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@money tree OMG! Penman is paid the same sergeant's salary that every one else earns and a rate that is…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Good lord man, go back and read the claim being made. You folks are all over the map. First it's…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@Money Tree Since you are so much in the know, Did Bob authorize the Administrator to sign as Bob Cassilly,…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “All that money must have you high. No one said executive forged a document. It is Bob claiming someone else…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I will repeat - you are aware that any approvals for development go through various county agencies to ensure whatever…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “He had plats expedited and also some things allowed to get more lots. His Planning Advisory Board appointee Amy O’Neil…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Claiming the county executive forged a document could wind you up in civil court if you care to say that…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You must be Bob with the name money tree since it seems to be raining down money on you and…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Ethics complaint stating Cassilly signed off on a plat for development that involves his family which has already been easily…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I read the Aegis article and it looks like Penman made his ethics complaint on Feb. 14 and Cassilly made…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

Recent Posts

  • Trio Arrested In Connection With Alleged Assault, Kidnapping In Darlington March 17, 2025
  • 3P: “Developers’ Exploitation Led to Missed Opportunity for Harford County” December 19, 2024
  • 3P Protect Perryman Peninsula: Developers Exploit Horse Training Facility to Push Illegal Freight Terminal Project September 5, 2024
  • Arrest Made in Aberdeen Triple Homicide; Victims Identified April 30, 2024
  • Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act March 25, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly: “Once Again I Find Myself in the Position of Having to Fend Off Personal Attacks” March 20, 2024
  • Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly February 28, 2024
  • Harford County to Purchase Land of Abandoned Eva Mar Development for New Public School in Bel Air February 27, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly Initiates Legislation for Comprehensive Zoning Review February 22, 2024
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to 1st Degree Murder February 22, 2024
  • Violent Carjacking in Aberdeen Leaves Man Injured; Victim Clings to Hood as Stolen Car Speeds Away February 17, 2024
  • Bel Air Man Found Guilty of Rape, Sex Offense, Assault; Faces Immigration Consequences February 9, 2024
  • Harford County Councilman Penman: “King Cassilly’s Intent is to Bully the County Council and Mislead our Community Members” February 6, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly Announces Opposition to Legislation Allowing Freestanding Accessory Dwelling Units in Residential Areas January 16, 2024
  • Harford’s Cassilly Delivers State of the County Address: Redirecting Government to Serve People; No Tax Increases, Public Safety Upgrades, New County Parks January 12, 2024
  • Confrontation Leads to Gunshot, Murder in Bel Air December 30, 2023
  • Woman Charged with 1st-Degree Assault for Threatening Rental Company Employees in Aberdeen December 19, 2023
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Rape and Intent to Distribute Cocaine December 11, 2023
  • Mother Charged with Homicide in Death of 3-Yr-Old Son in Bel Air December 4, 2023
  • Longtime Employee of Harford County Manufacturer Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for $20 Million Kickback Scheme December 1, 2023

Archives

Extras

  • About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Sign up for The Daily Dagger Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Daily Dagger and receive new articles by email.

Copyright © 2025 ·Dagger Press LLC · Log in

%d