According to Greta (2009)
"Greta" (original title)

A young suicidal and rebellious teen gets sent to her Grandparents for the summer where life takes an unexpected turn.

Director:

Nancy Bardawil

Writer:

Michael Gilvary

Stars:

Hilary Duff, Evan Ross, Michael Murphy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hilary Duff	...	Greta
Evan Ross	...	Julie
Michael Murphy	...	Joseph
Ellen Burstyn	...	Katherine
Melissa Leo	...	Karen
Maury Ginsberg	...	Lou
John Rothman	...	Edgar
Sylvia Kauders	...	Mrs. Wocheski
Oren Skoog	...	Steve
Dave Shalansky	...	Cable Guy
Vivan Dugré	...	Donna
Gary Mottola	...	Red Tie Bar Guy
Stuart Zagnit	...	Man on Bus
Edward Lane	...	Old Man (as Ed Lane)
Eric Sheffer Stevens	...	Yellow Sweater Guy

Storyline

After her mother, Karen (Melissa Leo) gets married for the third time, 17-year-old Greta (Hillary Duff), who had witnessed her father kill himself, withdraws within herself, and turns rebellious. In lieu of boot camp she is sent to live with her maternal grandparents, Katherine (Ellen Burstyn) and Joseph (Michael Murphy) where she makes it known that she is determined to kill herself. She then falls for a cook, Julie (Evan Ross) at the local restaurant, much to the chagrin of her grandparents - especially when they find out he had been interned in a juvenile correctional facility. Faced with all-round opposition and unhappy with her life Greta plans her suicide during a boating trip - a plan that will not only expose closeted skeletons, but also shatter and change everyone's lives forever.

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Plot Keywords:

suicidal | summer | suicide | restaurant | men fight | 

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Taglines:

She's a trip. But she's no vacation.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, some sexual content and drug references

Details

Official Sites:

MySpace Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 December 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

According to Greta

Filming Locations:

Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Anchor Bay Films, West of Midnight, Whitewater Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The photograph of Greta's father is John Heard, Melissa Leo's then real-life boyfriend who fathered her son John Matthew Heard.

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Quotes

Katherine: Course, you could've told us it was your day off.
Greta: Well you could've let me know it was your day to get off.

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Soundtracks

"Bright"
Written by Christopher Faizi
Performed by Christopher Faizi

User Reviews

Greta is Great

This small independent movie was probably the least hyped movie Hilary Duff has had and it's ironically also her best (imo of course). Greta is sarcastic but not over the top witty that it becomes annoying (alas Juno - sorry Juno fans, I disliked that character). I feel a part of this can be attributed to Hilary's girl-next-door look turned brat delivery. I can imagine other actresses of Hilary's ilk trying out this role and not succeeding as well as she has. The character's narcissistic flaws are shown but a part of you likes her because of it. Her selfishness juxtaposed with her tolerant grandparents is fun to watch but also kind of sad and sorrowful when you realize why Greta misses her father and acts the way she does. The tension is nicely subtle and with modestly effective emphasis on supporting characters. Although the title itself features the main character's name, I liked the fact each supporting character is also appointed their own personal back story and just how this all comes into play with Greta's decision.

The performances were delicately fine. Hilary, well what can I say, she has won me over! Although I liked some of her earlier teen work, I don't think I took her for someone who could carry this film - and she did so well. Hilary definitely soars this time around! Ellen, Michael, Melissa and Evan are all strong support.

Props to Michael Gilvary for writing a simply funny and touching but not annoyingly sardonic and sappy film.

This is indeed, Hilary's best!