Greenberg (2010)

A man from Los Angeles, who moved to New York years ago, returns to L.A. to figure out his life while he house-sits for his brother. He soon sparks with his brother's assistant.

Director:

Noah Baumbach

Writers:

Jennifer Jason Leigh (story), Noah Baumbach (story),

Stars:

Greta Gerwig, Ben Stiller, Rhys Ifans

1 win & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Greta Gerwig	...	Florence Marr
Koby Rouviere	...	Greenberg Boy
Sydney Rouviere	...	Greenberg Girl
Chris Messina	...	Phillip Greenberg
Susan Traylor	...	Carol Greenberg
Merritt Wever	...	Gina
Emily Lacy	...	Gallery Band Member
Aaron Wrinkle	...	Gallery Band Member
Heather Lockie	...	Gallery Band Member
Chris Coy	...	Guy at Gallery
Ben Stiller	...	Roger Greenberg
Zach Chassler	...	Marlon
Mina Badie	...	Peggy
Rhys Ifans	...	Ivan Schrank
Blair Tefkin	...	Megan - Beller's Party

Storyline

We like Florence: she's considerate, sweet, pretty, and terrific with kids and dogs. She's twenty-five, personal assistant to an L.A. family that's off on vacation. Her boss's brother comes in from New York City, fresh from a stay at an asylum, to take care of the house. He's Roger, a forty-year-old carpenter, gone from L.A. for fifteen years. He arrives, doesn't drive, and needs Florence's help, especially with the family's dog. He's also connecting with former band-mates - two men and one woman with whom he has a history. He over-analyzes, has a short fuse, and doesn't laugh at himself easily. As he navigates past and present, he's his own saboteur. And what of Florence? is Roger one more responsibility for her or something else?

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Plot Keywords:

assistant | dog | carpenter | vacation | personal assistant | 

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Taglines:

He's got a lot on his mind.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 April 2010 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Den skeftomai, ara yparho

Filming Locations:

Laurel Pet Hospital - 7970 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£118,804 (UK) (11 June 2010)

Gross:

£283,806 (UK) (18 June 2010)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Scott Rudin Productions, Twins Financing

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first soundtrack by LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy.

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Goofs

In the final scene just after Roger received the second doll he walks screen right. As the camera pans with his movement, it appears as though the camera is visible in the bathroom mirror at the back of the scene.

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Quotes

Roger Greenberg: Wish it wasn't too late to get my medical degree.
Ivan Schrank: It's not too late.
Roger Greenberg: I'd be over 50 by the time I graduated.
Ivan Schrank: What is it? Four years, right?
Roger Greenberg: Yeah, but I know myself. I'd procrastinate, take time off. Eight years at best. Who's gonna hire a 49... Let's just call it 50. A 50-year-old vet?
Ivan Schrank: I'm confused. Are you going to vet school or regular medical school?
Roger Greenberg: Neither, clearly.

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Connections

References Gung Ho (1986)

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Soundtracks

"Don't Follow Me"
Written and Produced by James Murphy
Performed by James Murphy, Pat Mahoney, and Jason Disu
Courtesy of DFA Records/EMI Records Ltd.
James Murphy appears courtesy of DFA Records/EMI Records Ltd.

User Reviews

Some people don't "get" this film...

This film was slightly misadvertised. It is not a "funny movie," it is a pseudo-slice of life movie with an eccentric but believable character. It is a comedy in the sense that it is not a tragedy.

I enjoyed this film immensely. I found it very cathartic and realistic. It is "funny" in the sense that Ben Stiller is socially inappropriate at times, but honestly, it's not a "funny" film, and sometimes the film tries to be funny and definitely falls flat. The story is also a little slow to start. That said, it's still a good film.

Some people clearly don't "get" this film...Anyone who says "it wasn't funny!!" or "nothing happened!" is missing the point. This is one of those rare movies based entirely on character, with a very realistic plot progression. It's not the best movie of the year or anything, but it's a really good example of a character-driven story. If you don't care about or "get" Greenberg, there is nothing for you here.

I must protest the people who say the film is unbelievable. It *is* very believable, but not necessarily relatable. It portrays a man bordering on mental instability *very* well.

Ultimately, this movie is similar to Woody Allen pics in affect, although much less "funny." But it still has that "world through the eyes of a neurotic" gimmick, as well as the laissez-faire plot progression.

Ben Stiller also deserves praise for a great, "real" performance as Greenberg, and he is supported by a mixed cast (some great, some poor).

I recommend this film to anyone familiar with OCD, anxiety, or anyone over 40 who asks "what happened?"