The Squid and the Whale (2005)

Director:

Noah Baumbach

Writer (WGA):

Noah Baumbach (written by)

Release Date:

3 March 2006 (Turkey)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

Joint Custody Blows.

Plot:

Based on the true childhood experiences of Noah Baumbach and his brother, The Squid and the Whale tells the touching story of two young boys dealing with their parents divorce in Brooklyn in the 1980's.

Plot Keywords:

Writer | Tennis | Library | Divorce | Teenager

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 16 wins & 25 nominations

Cast

Owen Kline	...	Frank Berkman
Jeff Daniels	...	Bernard Berkman
Laura Linney	...	Joan Berkman
Jesse Eisenberg	...	Walt Berkman
William Baldwin	...	Ivan
David Benger	...	Carl
Anna Paquin	...	Lili
Molly Barton	...	Graduate Student
Bo Berkman	...	Graduate Student
Matthew Kaplan	...	Graduate Student
Simon Kaplan	...	Graduate Student
Matthew Kirsch	...	Graduate Student
Daniella Markowicz	...	Graduate Student
Elizabeth Meriwether	...	Graduate Student
Ben Schrank	...	Graduate Student

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language.

Runtime:

81 min | Canada:88 min (Toronto International Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:14A (Ontario) | UK:15 | Australia:MA | Ireland:16 | Argentina:16 | Singapore:NC-16 | Brazil:14 | Norway:11 | Portugal:M/16 | Sweden:Btl | Germany:12 | Iceland:16 | South Korea:15 | Japan:PG-12 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Samuel Goldwyn Films

Trivia:

Bill Murray was set to star in the main role, but backed out in the last minute because he wanted to take a break after filming Broken Flowers (2005). He was later replaced by Jeff Daniels.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The ambulance that takes the father to the hospital after he has his heart attack has the logo of the twin towers on the back that were not used until after 11 September 2001

Quotes:

[first lines]
Frank Berkman: Mom and me versus you and Dad.

Movie Connections:

References L'enfant sauvage (1970)

Soundtrack:

Run to You

Patricide with a dull knife

Noah Baumbach takes a loving (oh?) stab at his parents' divorce, brought on by the hilariously immature antics of his father, and my writing professor, the ever pompous Jonathan Baumbach (Jeff Daniels).

Brooklyn College was a hotbed of activism and liberal arts when I first encountered Jonathan Baumbach (rechristened "Bernard" in the film, a sly wink at Jonathan's mentor and hero, Bernard Malamud). The arrogance and complete lack of self awareness is perfectly captured by Daniels in his over-the-top performance which, amazingly, underplays the actual father.

To call the picture patricidal is to completely miss the point; Baumbach pere is so self centered, he likely sees the film as an homage. Baumbach Sr. is a great writer; he receives good reviews in the literary journals and his books sell in the hundreds. Baumbach Jr., on the other hand, is a great filmmaker, and his movies (The Life Aquatic) are seen by millions. I'm sure the father is disappointed that the son isn't pursuing tenure at a small Ohio college.

I saw this film in a cozy college theater at the Toronto Film Festival. I half expected to run into Jonathan Baumbach, in his leather patched tweed jacket, preening for the audience and eying the coeds.

Funny and poignant. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to choke the bastard.