Ben Stiller’s latest departure from his usual screwball comedies landed with a tiny splash. But don’t let its tiny indie feel dissuade you. This movie, while true to its independent vibe, is a lot more accessible than the majority of smaller-scale movies. Director Noah Baumbach (“The Squid and the Whale”) gives a very intimate look into the life of title character Roger Greenberg. In an interview with Baumbach, Stiller and the music composer of the film, James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Baumbach said that Stiller was his first choice because the character needed to have humor first and foremost. However, Stiller leaves his slapstick and silly humor behind for an excellently delivered wry wit.
In the film, title character Greenberg takes on the easy challenge of house sitting for his brother. Unfamiliar with Los Angeles and coming off of a nervous breakdown, Greenberg befriends his brother’s dog and his brother’s personal assistant Florence. Actress Greta Gerwig as Florence begins to form a relationship with Stiller. Their relationship, based on almost nothing, never seems to make it off the ground. These two characters are both searching for a purpose, however, Stiller’s character turns 41 during the course of the film, so this is not quite a coming-of-age-find-yourself story.
Greenberg maintains that he just wants to be doing nothing, and that is exactly what he does. He spends his time writing complaint letters to companies, building a doghouse and meeting up with old friends. His aimless non-quest does get tedious, as does his relationship with Florence. The movie never seems to move very far forward, although that might be the point exactly.
Baumbach also wrote the movie, alongside his actress wife Jennifer Jason Leigh. The two worked with Stiller to develop the character and created the film they wanted to make. While Greenberg maintains his active non-action, he goes through some changes as a person. This intimate film might not be for everyone. This comedy of sorts goes by with not laugh-out-loud jokes, but just chuckle-to-yourself ones. The sad moments are never tearjerkers, but ones that make you think, “Well, that sucks”. As gentle as Greenberg himself, this movie slowly rolls along without ever making any real noise.
The one thing that stands out apart from all the subtlety is the music. For those that are familiar with LCD Soundsystem, you will be excited to know that their music is featured heavily in the movie. Songwriter Murphy wrote many of the songs specifically for the film, and they truly shine in the movie. His song “All My Friends” is heavily featured in the trailer, and Murphy and Baumbach worked together to create the songs. Baumbach specifically selected Murphy to create the right feel for the movie. And ultimately, Murphy’s soundtrack succeeds in being a bright spot of energy in an otherwise low-key film.
Baumbach’s new intimate flick features a dramatic Stiller, an exciting soundtrack and a quiet script that shows an uneasy main character looking for a purpose. While this movie entered with a quiet splash, if you’re looking for a gentle ride, then this movie just could be for you.